Ancient Roman, Empire Bone Very rare comb - Very rare decorated ancient Roman bone comb - 8.3 cm
02
days
04
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39
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40
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Current bid
€ 320
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 430 - € 500
 | €320 | |
|---|---|---|
| €300 | |
 | €280 | |
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An extremely rare decorated ancient Roman bone comb from the Oud-Romeins, Keizerrijk, dating to the 1st–3rd century, measuring 8.3 × 6.6 × 0.9 cm and weighing 40.11 g, made of bone with authentic/original status, acquired from a Dutch auction house in 2026 from a private collection, featuring a relief of a Roman goddess granting freedom to a bird.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The image shows a very rare Roman comb, made from bone (bone). This type of comb was in the Roman Empire not only a functional aid for personal hygiene, but also often served as a status icon or ritual object.
Main features:
Dimensions: (LxBxHx) 8.3 x 6.6 x 0.9 cm
Weight: 40.11 g
Condition: excellent (dug up) condition / a few teeth are fragile (the comb comes from a private collection)
Material: Such combs were usually cut from animal bone or, for the wealthier class, from ivory.
Decoration: The comb features a detailed relief. Similar specimens from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD often show military, mythological, ritual, or even erotic scenes.
Design: The top part of the comb (the back) is decorated with a detailed motif (a Roman goddess returning a bird its freedom). The bottom consists of a row of fine teeth.
Rarity: Authentic specimens from this period are considered very rare archaeological finds.
Shipping method: this lot will be shipped excellently packed via DHL or UPS using Catawiki's Smart Shipping.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
The image shows a very rare Roman comb, made from bone (bone). This type of comb was in the Roman Empire not only a functional aid for personal hygiene, but also often served as a status icon or ritual object.
Main features:
Dimensions: (LxBxHx) 8.3 x 6.6 x 0.9 cm
Weight: 40.11 g
Condition: excellent (dug up) condition / a few teeth are fragile (the comb comes from a private collection)
Material: Such combs were usually cut from animal bone or, for the wealthier class, from ivory.
Decoration: The comb features a detailed relief. Similar specimens from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD often show military, mythological, ritual, or even erotic scenes.
Design: The top part of the comb (the back) is decorated with a detailed motif (a Roman goddess returning a bird its freedom). The bottom consists of a row of fine teeth.
Rarity: Authentic specimens from this period are considered very rare archaeological finds.
Shipping method: this lot will be shipped excellently packed via DHL or UPS using Catawiki's Smart Shipping.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1e t/m 3e eeuw
Name of object
Very rare comb - Very rare decorated ancient Roman bone comb
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bone
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
See attached photos / description (condition)
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
8.3 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1982
Width
6.6 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
Depth
0.9 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
