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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 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. 36.7 grams total, 16-22 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. -
Roman Green Glass Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £52
Composed of tubular and oblate beads, the central feature composed of a facetted and a large cylindrical bead, restrung. 13.5 grams, 44.5 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection. -
Roman Glass Double Unguentarium
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising two conjoined tapering tubular cells, with applied handles at the shoulder. 46.6 grams, 11.7 cm
Private collection, 1990s-early 2000s.
