Ancient Roman Bone Applique depicting an erotic scene
08
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14
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€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,400
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Applique depicting an erotic scene
MATERIAL: Bone
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 28 mm x 34 mm x 17 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired.
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 1980s
Roman bone appliques featuring explicit erotic scenes (symplegma) are among the most evocative decorative elements preserved from ancient domestic luxury items. Carved in low or high relief from bovine bone or ivory, these delicate plaques—often measuring just a few centimeters across—were crafted to ornament high-status furniture, wooden jewelry caskets (pyxides), and couches (lecti). Artisans utilized small iron chisels, gouges, and abrasives to execute astonishing anatomical detail within the constrained surface of the material, rendering intertwined couples on draped banquets or couches in compositions that echoed famous Hellenistic sculptures and contemporary wall paintings from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Far from being purely scandalous, explicit erotic imagery held complex cultural, social, and protective meanings within the Roman world. While such appliques undoubtedly added a provocative, playful dimension to private spaces reserved for dining (triclinia) or sleeping (cubicula), erotic art was also linked to apotropaic beliefs—the concept that depictions of fertility, passion, and the human body could ward off the evil eye (fascinum) and bring good fortune to a household. Additionally, these carved reliefs reflected the elite Roman appreciation for Greek-style erotic genre scenes, aligning domestic decor with sophisticated Mediterranean artistic traditions.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Applique depicting an erotic scene
MATERIAL: Bone
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 28 mm x 34 mm x 17 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired.
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 1980s
Roman bone appliques featuring explicit erotic scenes (symplegma) are among the most evocative decorative elements preserved from ancient domestic luxury items. Carved in low or high relief from bovine bone or ivory, these delicate plaques—often measuring just a few centimeters across—were crafted to ornament high-status furniture, wooden jewelry caskets (pyxides), and couches (lecti). Artisans utilized small iron chisels, gouges, and abrasives to execute astonishing anatomical detail within the constrained surface of the material, rendering intertwined couples on draped banquets or couches in compositions that echoed famous Hellenistic sculptures and contemporary wall paintings from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Far from being purely scandalous, explicit erotic imagery held complex cultural, social, and protective meanings within the Roman world. While such appliques undoubtedly added a provocative, playful dimension to private spaces reserved for dining (triclinia) or sleeping (cubicula), erotic art was also linked to apotropaic beliefs—the concept that depictions of fertility, passion, and the human body could ward off the evil eye (fascinum) and bring good fortune to a household. Additionally, these carved reliefs reflected the elite Roman appreciation for Greek-style erotic genre scenes, aligning domestic decor with sophisticated Mediterranean artistic traditions.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
2nd - 3rd Century A.D
Name of object
Applique depicting an erotic scene
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bone
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
Bidders need to be aware that several countries do not allow importing objects derived from endangered and other protected species, even if a certificate of origin is provided. By bidding, you confirm that you have familiarised yourself with customs laws and regulations of your own country.
Bidders need to be aware that several countries do not allow importing objects derived from endangered and other protected species, even if a certificate of origin is provided. By bidding, you confirm that you have familiarised yourself with customs laws and regulations of your own country.
