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

Details

A ROMAN GOLD BULLA
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C./A.D.
Composed of two convex discs joined by a ridged sheet gold loop, attached by means of two wires each with a spiral knot terminal, with decorative coiling gold wire on one lower edge, gold wire suspension loop above; and a Roman cornelian intaglio gold ring, the sheet gold hoop with broad shoulders, the truncated conical intaglio with double corn-ears, circa 1st-2nd Century A.D., ¾ in. (1.9 cm.) diam.
1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) high (2)

Provenance

Heidi Vollmoeller; acquired in 1987 and 1986 respectively.

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium

Lot Essay

The type is a well-known early Roman form adopted from the Etruscans. The bulla was worn around the neck from infancy by the sons of Roman citizens as a visible token of free birth, later also being permitted to the sons of freedmen. On coming of age it was laid ceremoniously aside in the household lararium.

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