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LOT 0646
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp
2ND CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (49 grams, 96 mm).
Squat in profile with broad shoulder and recessed discus with central filler hole; elongated nozzle, carinated sidewall. lug handle with tapering hole. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a Canadian gentleman living in Essex, UK, formed since the 1920s-circa 1990.
Property of an Essex lady until the late 1990s; thence by descent.
From the private collection of an Essex gentleman since the late 1990s.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Imperial and Sasanian Carved Nicolo Gemstone Collection
2nd-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Comprising seven oval intaglios with various motifs, including a winged horse, an Italic female profile bust, a zebu, a winged lion(?), a standing eagle, an advancing figure carrying an animal, a satyr or a man with lagobolon and grapebunch; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.8 grams total, 8-12 mm
UK private collection, acquired on the English market in the 2000s. -
Jewish Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs of profile busts, three with Hebrew text to the reverse. 3.97 grams total, 12-17 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Cabochon
2nd-4th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Flat-section shank flaring at the shoulders, filigree border around the bezel set with a replaced carnelian cabochon. 3.87 grams, 21.70 mm overall, 17.49 x 16.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
Private collection, Suffolk, UK.