Ancient Roman, Empire Bone Very rare bone comb - Very rare ancient Roman bone comb (mythological scene) - 7.5 cm
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days
06
hours
59
minutes
13
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Current bid
€ 290
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 450 - € 550
 | €290 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €270 | |
| €250 | |
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Very rare ancient Roman bone comb dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, with a mythological relief on the back and a total size of 7.5 x 6.7 x 0.7 cm and 38.04 g.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The image shows a very rare Roman comb, made from bone. This type of comb in the Roman Empire was not only a functional personal hygiene tool but often also served as a status icon or ritual object.
Main features:
Size: (LxWxH) 7.5 x 6.7 x 0.7 cm
Weight: 38.04 grams
Condition: excellent (dug up) condition / some teeth are fragile or missing (the comb comes from a private collection)
Material: Such combs were usually carved 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 upper part of the comb (the back) is decorated with a detailed relief of a mythological motif (a Roman ship being attacked by a mythological sea creature). 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 well-packaged via DHL or DPD using Catawiki's Smart Shipping.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL dating, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the piece's integrity.
The image shows a very rare Roman comb, made from bone. This type of comb in the Roman Empire was not only a functional personal hygiene tool but often also served as a status icon or ritual object.
Main features:
Size: (LxWxH) 7.5 x 6.7 x 0.7 cm
Weight: 38.04 grams
Condition: excellent (dug up) condition / some teeth are fragile or missing (the comb comes from a private collection)
Material: Such combs were usually carved 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 upper part of the comb (the back) is decorated with a detailed relief of a mythological motif (a Roman ship being attacked by a mythological sea creature). 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 well-packaged via DHL or DPD using Catawiki's Smart Shipping.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL dating, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the piece's integrity.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1e t/m 3e eeuw
Name of object
Very rare bone comb - Very rare ancient Roman bone comb (mythological scene)
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
7.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1982
Width
6.7 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
Depth
0.7 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.
