A ROMAN DIE-FORMED SHEET GOLD BULLA, the two circular convex sides joined by a wide sheet gold loop with repoussée decoration, comprising cable borders, arches, circles and triangles, attached by means of three wires (one damaged) each terminating in a spiral disc on one side and a boss on the other, a twisted wire suspension hoop above, circa 1st Century B.C./A.D.; 2¾in. (7cm.) long; 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 cylinder 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., 4in. (10cm.) long (2)

Details

A ROMAN DIE-FORMED SHEET GOLD BULLA, the two circular convex sides joined by a wide sheet gold loop with repoussée decoration, comprising cable borders, arches, circles and triangles, attached by means of three wires (one damaged) each terminating in a spiral disc on one side and a boss on the other, a twisted wire suspension hoop above, circa 1st Century B.C./A.D.; 2¾in. (7cm.) long; 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 cylinder 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., 4in. (10cm.) long (2)

Lot Essay

Item one: the type is a well-known early Roman form, but they are generally more substantial than this piece. For a similar thin sheet example from Mentana, see Stefanelli, pl. 21.2; also, cf. Marshall, no. 2310, p. 269, pl. XLVII; Walters, p. 67 "The bulla is an Etruscan ornament in general use from the 5th Century B.C. onwards, later adopted by the Romans."

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