A Roman die-formed sheet gold bulla

CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C./A.D.

Details

A Roman die-formed sheet gold bulla
Circa 1st Century B.C./A.D.
The two circular convex sides joined by a wide sheet gold loop with repoussé decoration, comprising cable borders, arches, circles and triangles, attached by means of three wires each terminating in a spiral disc on one side and a boss on the other; and an Italic gold funerary suspension attachment, the two sides of circular form with ribbed border, one side with small circular opening, a long ribbed suspension tube above attached by means of narrow sheet gold loops, sides compacted together, the front face originally with a repoussé design, 7th-5th Century B.C.
2¾ in. (7 cm.) and 4 in. (10 cm.) long respectively (2)

Provenance

Formerly from a private collection of gold jewellery assembled during the 1920's-30's: sold Christie's, London, 6 July 1994, lot 301.

Lot Essay

Item one: the type is a well-known early Roman form. For a similar example from Mentana, see L. P. B. Stefanelli, L'Oro dei Romani, Rome, 1992, pl. 21.1; also, F. H. Marshall, Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, The British Museum, 1911 (reprinted 1969), p. 269, no. 2310, pl. XLVII; and Jewelry: Ancient to Modern, The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, 1979, p. 67 "The bulla is an Etruscan ornament in general use from the 5th Century B.C. onwards, later adopted by the Romans."

More from Antiquities

View All