Romano-British Lead Bird Steelyard Weight

1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.

4 3/8 in. (700 grams, 11.2 cm).

Formed with stub wings, a hooked beak and circular eyes, tail folded under the body,tail feathers and a speckled or ruffled breast underlined by moulded textures; iron loop embedded in the reverse face. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Ex Nigel Mills, London, UK.

Literature

Cf. for a similar dove in copper-alloy on the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme see no.NLM-7DDF63.

Footnotes

The iron loop of the back may suggest this was attached to a vessel or other receptacle. Greek mythology associated the small white bird with Aphrodite, the goddess of love (known in Roman mythology as Venus). Venus is often depicted with doves fluttering around her or resting on her hand.

CONDITION

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LOT 0777