Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend")
_200x200.jpg "Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend")
.jpg "Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend")
LOT 0022
Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (0.32 grams, 10 mm).
Plano-convex in section with advancing winged and horned beast, Pahlavi legend to the border; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenancePrivate English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
Fanciful combinations of various human and animal heads, sometimes with the addition of other elements, are generally called grylloi. These fantastic devices were more than mere artists' fancies and were worn by the ancient Romans and others for their supposed efficacy in averting the evil eye.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0022
Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Terracotta Jug of a Woman Holding a Flask
Mid 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £936
Formed as a seated elderly woman with a short neck and handle with deep decorative ridges, stylised detailing to the face and hair tied in a bun, wine-jug (lagynos) gripped in her arms and between her knees, detailing to folds of garments; her pierced ears were likely once adorned with earrings. 345 grams, 17 cm
Acquired 1980s. Ex B Lee North collection. Accompanied by a positive thermoluminescence analysis report, sample no.N122e54 from Oxford Authentication. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.11312-188595.
The motif of an old, drunken woman corresponds to a well-known Hellenistic repertoire. These jugs were produced in Africa and were widespread within the Empire. Recent analysis carried out on a North African bottle of the drink ‘anus’, found in an exceptional state of preservation in Valencia, concluded that the vessel contained a resin from the Pinocea family intended to waterproof the vessel, which probably contained vegetable oil. -
Roman Bronze Statue of Demeter with Cornucopia
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Modelled in the round standing with legs advancing, left arm cradling a cornucopia; hair drawn back in a chignon, surmounted by a modius; attachment loop below feet. 145 grams, 10.5 cm
Acquired before 1990. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.
The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful and influential civilisations of the ancient world, lasting for many centuries. It is known for its impressive cities, roads, engineering, art, and military strength, as well as its system of law and government. At its height, the empire brought together many different cultures, and its ideas and achievements continued to shape Europe and the wider world long after its fall. -
Roman Silver Phalera with Face of Eros, the Greek God of Love
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Discoid in plan with running scrolled tendrils to the outer edge, central mask with curly hair and fleshy features. 27.1 grams, 74 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
