Ancient Roman, Empire enamelled Tutulus, Fibula
11
days
15
hours
27
minutes
44
seconds
Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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 Bidder 3420 | €50 |
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Ancient Roman bronze enamelled tutulus fibula (brooch) with a circular plate form, approximately 36.2 × 32.5 mm and 19.6 mm high, in good archaeological condition with a hinged pin and catch, featuring a central raised boss and radial triangular enamel fields.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Ancient Roman bronze enamelled tutulus fibula (brooch), of circular plate form, characterised by a prominent raised central boss (tutulus).
The front is decorated with a radial geometric arrangement of triangular enamel fields set around the central dome. The design is framed by concentric moulded borders, while the outer edge is slightly scalloped.
The reverse retains a hinged pin mechanism and catch. The pierced lugs around the perimeter are typical construction features associated with the manufacture of enamelled tutulus fibulae.
A decorative and visually strong example of a Roman tutulus fibula, combining a form rooted in earlier Italic tradition with colourful provincial enamel work. Such fibulae fulfilled both practical and ornamental functions and reflect individual taste as well as regional workshop practices within the Roman Empire.
Size: ± 36,2 x 32,5 mm
Height: ± 19,6 mm
Condition
Good archaeological condition. Structurally intact, complete with hinged pin (rigid) and catch. The enamel decoration is largely preserved, with some areas of loss and wear. The bronze surface shows an attractive dark brown and green patina, with spots of mineral accretion and surface encrustation consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request.
Historical background
Tutulus fibulae take their name from the raised central boss and have their origins in early Italic and Etruscan dress fittings. During the Roman period, particularly from the 1st to 3rd century AD, the form was widely adopted and adapted across the provinces.
Enamelled examples such as this are especially associated with Celtic-influenced regions of north-western Europe, where brightly coloured enamels were used to enhance personal jewellery.
Fibulae were essential items of dress in Roman society, worn by both men and women, and could communicate identity, status and regional affiliation as well as serving a practical purpose.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Ancient Roman bronze enamelled tutulus fibula (brooch), of circular plate form, characterised by a prominent raised central boss (tutulus).
The front is decorated with a radial geometric arrangement of triangular enamel fields set around the central dome. The design is framed by concentric moulded borders, while the outer edge is slightly scalloped.
The reverse retains a hinged pin mechanism and catch. The pierced lugs around the perimeter are typical construction features associated with the manufacture of enamelled tutulus fibulae.
A decorative and visually strong example of a Roman tutulus fibula, combining a form rooted in earlier Italic tradition with colourful provincial enamel work. Such fibulae fulfilled both practical and ornamental functions and reflect individual taste as well as regional workshop practices within the Roman Empire.
Size: ± 36,2 x 32,5 mm
Height: ± 19,6 mm
Condition
Good archaeological condition. Structurally intact, complete with hinged pin (rigid) and catch. The enamel decoration is largely preserved, with some areas of loss and wear. The bronze surface shows an attractive dark brown and green patina, with spots of mineral accretion and surface encrustation consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request.
Historical background
Tutulus fibulae take their name from the raised central boss and have their origins in early Italic and Etruscan dress fittings. During the Roman period, particularly from the 1st to 3rd century AD, the form was widely adopted and adapted across the provinces.
Enamelled examples such as this are especially associated with Celtic-influenced regions of north-western Europe, where brightly coloured enamels were used to enhance personal jewellery.
Fibulae were essential items of dress in Roman society, worn by both men and women, and could communicate identity, status and regional affiliation as well as serving a practical purpose.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/ Timeframe
2nd-3rd century AD
Name of object
enamelled Tutulus, Fibula
Acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
