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LOT 0829
Romano-British Enamelled Bronze Lid of a Pyxis
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (43.9 grams, 64 mm).
Hexagonal in plan with fastening holes, a band of cobalt blue enamelled spirals around the central aperture, interspersed with floral motifs, all enclosed within a scalloped border. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980s-1990s.
Private collection of H. N., Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK.
Cf. Henderson, J., 'Technological characteristics of Roman enamels' in Jewellery Study, 5, 1991, pp.64-76, fig.6, for similar decoration.
FootnotesScholars have been able to establish the extent to which the manufacture of glass for enamel production was standardised through the Roman Empire during the 1st to 4th centuries. Enamels were probably fused from primary raw materials in specific production centres, one of which has been located in the Gallo-Roman villa of Anthee, France. The decoration with its undulating tendril and pellets in contrasting enamel is influenced by La Tène design of the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.
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LOT 0829
Romano-British Enamelled Bronze Lid of a Pyxis
Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
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Roman Gold Ring with Pair of Birds on Nicolo Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £800
With a hollow-form hoop expanding at the shoulders, raised bezel set with a dark blue nicolo intaglio engraved with a pair of birds, one standing and the other stooped to pick something from the ground with its beak. 5.75 grams, 25.12 mm overall, 14.69 x 18.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
From the collection of late AB, London, UK, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.
The type of ring (type II, variant I of Ruseva-Slokoska classification) is characterised by the ellipsoid hoop, rounded on the outside, widening to a horizontal triangular shape. The nicolo was often employed in rings of the 2nd-3rd century A.D. -
Roman and Byzantine Bronze Ring Group
Circa 3rd-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Including trumpet bezel, claw-setting and other types. 30 grams total, 18-26 mm
Ex C. Sullivan collection, UK, 1990s. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Frontal Bust
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With brown slip, loop handle to the rear, the discus with a facing bust of a young woman within a concentric circle border; maker's mark 'LCΛPΓ' within tabula ansata-shaped stamp. 63 grams, 10.2 cm
Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.
The discus decorations of these lamps are various: Diana, Dioscuri, Sol and Luna, Africa, Lares, and griffin; portraits of Domitian, Hadrian, male head, bust of a young man, bust of a young woman (our specimen), bust of a bearded old man, fisherman, and an aulete; scorpion, boar, and lion with crocodile; etc. They were an African production and not less than seven worskshops have been individuated: M N O V I V, M N O V I V S T (our case) , M N O V I V S T I , I V N I A L E X I, C C O R V R S , E X F N A / LV C C E I O R V M . Here we can add LCAPIT (Lucius Capito).
