From ancient Rome, ca. 1st century AD. Terracotta oil lamp, of simple form and design, with incised detailing. 4"L x 2-1/2"W x 1-1/2"H, intact/generally very good condition.
From ancient Rome, ca. 2nd to 1st centuries B.C. Molded hollow pottery striding winged Eros, depicted as a slightly pudgy youthful figure having small wings from shoulders, and holding a ceremonial object in his left hand, against his chest. He wears a decorated headdress over the long, wavy hairdo. Large areas remaining of white surface pigment. Standing on an integral rectangular raised platform base with a small dove between his feet. Scattered areas of root marks and light encrustation. 5-7/ ...click for details
Rare example! From the ancient Rome Empire, ca. 1st - 2nd Century AD, but made in a Gaul (northern France) workshop. Thin-walled terracotta vessel with blackish-brown slip and small everted rim. Applied decoration resembles rose thorns (hence the name). 3-3/4"H (9.5 cm), intact/excellent condition.
Roman, ca 1st to 3rd century AD, very fascinating set of 9 matched game pieces in gray and pinkish pottery - possibly for use in the Roman game Latrunculi, a type of early chess. Set comprised of 4 larger pieces, 3 of which have been incised with either "X" or single cross-hatch, 3 medium sized pieces with one having the cross-hatch line and 2 small pieces, one incised - all in slightly spool form. Largest measures 1-1/8" D, smallest 1/2" D, each intact and excellent. ...click for details
Rome, ca. 1st Century AD. While the vast majority of Roman gladiators were men, women combatants did exist, often with the same degree of fame afforded their male counterparts. This lamp represents these rare female warriors. Light-tan clay lamp with reddish-brown slip; sunken central discus depicting female helmeted gladiator, carrying shield and mace; incuse concentric banding surrounding; undecorated downward sloping shoulder; voluted channel with rounded nozzle. Maker's name 'L.M.AD ...click for details
Roman Empire, ca 2nd century, of North African origins. Lovely terracotta oil lamp showing charioteer racing his steed in what was a very dangerous profession. Chariteers were stars in the day and commanded great respect, fame, and attention from the ladies! Brown finish. It is signed on the back by the maker - 'MNOVIVST'. This is a well-known oil lamp manufacturer, Marcus Novius Justus, who operated a workshop in what is now Tunisia in North Africa. We know that his workshop laste ...click for details
Ca. 2nd to 1st centuries B.C. Molded natural buff-brown terracotta depiction of the youthful, nude Ganymede, standing with his left arm raised. Zeus is depicted as an eagle with spread wings grasping on his back. According to ancient Greek mythology Ganymede was abducted by Zeus from Mount Ida in Phrygia. Zeux either sending an eagle or turning himself into an eagle transported Ganymede to mount Olympus. Some remaining white surface pigment with traces of pink. Custom lucite base. 8-7/8”H, repa ...click for details
