Ancient Roman Gallo-Roman spoon carved in bone.

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Peter Reynaers
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 300 - € 380
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Description from the seller

Gallo-Roman spatula carved in bone

Carved bone spoon, consisting of a long stem and a circular hollow part, with a small lip on the periphery and a circular button in the center.
This bone spoon dating from the 1st/2nd century was used for eating various dishes such as snails, shellfish, or eggs.
The cylindrical-shaped handle reveals a pointed end that was used to pierce the shell. It could also be used for the preparation of cosmetics or ointments.
For the making of this spoon, the craftsman used the long bone of a large herbivore such as a ox, horse, or deer. The work on bone materials common in this period is called tablettery.
The traces found on this object reveal a multi-step process. The shaping stage, which uses a lathe, allowed for the creation of a circular or spoon-shaped form. The faceting stage, on the other hand, enables the handle to acquire a flat and spherical cut surface.
Despite a mastery of craftsmanship by the tabulators, this type of bone object disappears around the end of the 2nd century AD to make way for bronze spoons.

Gallo-Roman art, 1st or 2nd century AD.
Length 10.5 cm - width 2.3 cm
Beautiful patina - perfect condition
Provenance: France, Galerie C.V.C.
Previously: Collection of Jean-Pierre and Liliane LEVEILLEY, Angers, who donated part of their collection to the museum of Angers in 2024.

The seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, with a provenance declaration viewed by Catawiki.
Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will ensure that the necessary authorizations, such as an export license (passport for cultural object), are arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer of their status if it takes more than a few days.

Seller's Story

Archeologia is a professional seller located in Metropolitan France. specializing in the sale of archaeological objects. All items for sale have been legally acquired and have been subject to an appraisal. An illustrated certificate including the description of the object and the provenance is provided with any object purchased.
Translated by Google Translate

Gallo-Roman spatula carved in bone

Carved bone spoon, consisting of a long stem and a circular hollow part, with a small lip on the periphery and a circular button in the center.
This bone spoon dating from the 1st/2nd century was used for eating various dishes such as snails, shellfish, or eggs.
The cylindrical-shaped handle reveals a pointed end that was used to pierce the shell. It could also be used for the preparation of cosmetics or ointments.
For the making of this spoon, the craftsman used the long bone of a large herbivore such as a ox, horse, or deer. The work on bone materials common in this period is called tablettery.
The traces found on this object reveal a multi-step process. The shaping stage, which uses a lathe, allowed for the creation of a circular or spoon-shaped form. The faceting stage, on the other hand, enables the handle to acquire a flat and spherical cut surface.
Despite a mastery of craftsmanship by the tabulators, this type of bone object disappears around the end of the 2nd century AD to make way for bronze spoons.

Gallo-Roman art, 1st or 2nd century AD.
Length 10.5 cm - width 2.3 cm
Beautiful patina - perfect condition
Provenance: France, Galerie C.V.C.
Previously: Collection of Jean-Pierre and Liliane LEVEILLEY, Angers, who donated part of their collection to the museum of Angers in 2024.

The seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, with a provenance declaration viewed by Catawiki.
Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will ensure that the necessary authorizations, such as an export license (passport for cultural object), are arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer of their status if it takes more than a few days.

Seller's Story

Archeologia is a professional seller located in Metropolitan France. specializing in the sale of archaeological objects. All items for sale have been legally acquired and have been subject to an appraisal. An illustrated certificate including the description of the object and the provenance is provided with any object purchased.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
1er / 2ème S. après J.-C.
Name of object
Gallo-Roman spoon carved in bone.
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
FranceVerified
3957
Objects sold
99.62%
protop

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.

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