Roman Terracotta Triple-Spouted Lamp

Comprising two flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 28.7 grams total, 61-63 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.

The rounded intaglio with a horseman, helmetted or wearing a causia, with flying cloak, riding towards left. 0.27 grams, 9 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

The cap (kausia) was typical of Hellenistic military dress and had been worn by cavalrymen since Alexander’s campaigns of the 4th century BC. The gemstone could represent an Italic cavalrymen, a socius (ally) of the Roman army. Another possibility is that the gemstone follows Etruscan influence, like the example in the British Museum, accession no. 1872,0604.156. The kausia cap had also its metallic counterpart, worn by the Tarentine cavalrymen of the Hellenistic period.

One with expanded shoulders and bezel inscribed with text in a roundel; an oval bezel engraved with a figural scene; a 'twin' bezel composed of two elliptical plaques, each bearing inscribed letters. 8.68 grams total, 17-19 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.