Roman 'Thames' Enamelled Stud Group

A set of four copper-alloy triclinium (bed) finials, each with a bell-shaped body and baluster style finial; hollow to base. 1.18 kg total, 9.6-10.1 cm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

The Romans, like the Greeks, ate whilst reclined on beds. The eating bed (lectus triclinaris) was a luxury furniture item crafted by carpenters. From the 2nd century B.C., Romans started to create 'lecti aerati, inargentati, inaurati, eborati, testudinei,' i.e. beds made of wood and covered with bronze, silver, gold and ivory fittings (as in our specimens) or with scales of other precious material. Such elements were sometimes sculpted in the shape of an animal protome, or were simply bell-shaped, like our specimens.

A group of two polychrome enamelled studs: one square with five 'white' dots against a darker-coloured field, rilled edges and lug with discoid head to reverse; one discoid with concentric rings of enamelling, 'white' dots to the outer ring, attachment lug to reverse. 6.14 grams total, 10-19 mm



Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

A hollow-formed gold finger ring with inset glass intaglio of two fishes placed tête-bêche; the astrological symbol for the Pisces constellation. 6.11 grams, 26.55 mm overall, 20.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W 1/2, USA 11 1/4, Europe 25.6, Japan 24)



English private collection.