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LOT 0693
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp
CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 in. (60 grams, 10.5 cm).
Decorative band surrounding the filler hole, tapering lug handle to the rear, and the base with low-relief decoration. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a Cambridge, UK, gentleman, by direct descent from his father, who acquired the items in London in circa 1960.
LiteratureSee Bussière, J. & Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, no.525, for type (Eastern variant of Loeschcke VIII ?).
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Bust of Minerva
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Scaraboid type with incuse design of a profile bust of Minerva wearing a Corinthian-style crested helmet; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.46 grams, 10 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Bronze Gladius Sword Pendant Collection
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising three gladius pendants, each with a domed pommel and pierced through the blade. 15.58 grams total, 26-35 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 33.6 grams total, 13-22 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.
