Ancient Roman Medical Tools
17
days
13
hours
57
minutes
30
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
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 € 230 - € 280
 | €1 |
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Ancient Roman bronze collection of two medical and cosmetic ligulae or spoon-probes, the larger double-ended with a broad spoon and decorative grip and the slimmer second instrument, both in good, complete condition with olive-brown and green patina, measuring approximately 16.5 cm and 13.6 cm in length.
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.
A collection of two ancient Roman bronze medical and cosmetic instruments, generally known as ligulae or spoon-probes.
The larger instrument is double-ended and consists of a broad, elongated spoon or shallow bowl, an elaborately moulded grip decorated with multiple raised collars and a long tapering probe. The decorated grip provided both visual refinement and a secure hold during precise use.
The second instrument is considerably more slender, with a long shaft terminating in a small rounded and slightly concave spoon. Its opposite end tapers into a narrow probe.
-> Such multipurpose implements could be employed for preparing, measuring and applying medicines or ointments, examining and cleaning wounds, or performing personal grooming and cosmetic tasks. Their precise function depended on the form and size of the terminal, while the distinction between medical, pharmaceutical and toilet instruments was not always clearly defined in the Roman world.
Size: ± 16,5 - 13,6 cm
Condition: Good and solid condition. Both instruments remain complete. Appealing smooth olive-brown and green patina, with surface deposits and signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Roman physicians and pharmacists employed a wide variety of bronze probes, spoons and spatulas. These tools were suitable for mixing medicinal compounds, removing small quantities from containers and applying preparations directly to the body. Similar implements also formed part of Roman toilet sets and were used for cosmetics, perfumes and personal hygiene.
The versatility of the ligula made it a widely used instrument throughout the Roman Empire. Archaeological examples range from simple slender implements to finely finished pieces with moulded or ornamented grips, such as the larger instrument in this collection.
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.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* 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.
A collection of two ancient Roman bronze medical and cosmetic instruments, generally known as ligulae or spoon-probes.
The larger instrument is double-ended and consists of a broad, elongated spoon or shallow bowl, an elaborately moulded grip decorated with multiple raised collars and a long tapering probe. The decorated grip provided both visual refinement and a secure hold during precise use.
The second instrument is considerably more slender, with a long shaft terminating in a small rounded and slightly concave spoon. Its opposite end tapers into a narrow probe.
-> Such multipurpose implements could be employed for preparing, measuring and applying medicines or ointments, examining and cleaning wounds, or performing personal grooming and cosmetic tasks. Their precise function depended on the form and size of the terminal, while the distinction between medical, pharmaceutical and toilet instruments was not always clearly defined in the Roman world.
Size: ± 16,5 - 13,6 cm
Condition: Good and solid condition. Both instruments remain complete. Appealing smooth olive-brown and green patina, with surface deposits and signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Roman physicians and pharmacists employed a wide variety of bronze probes, spoons and spatulas. These tools were suitable for mixing medicinal compounds, removing small quantities from containers and applying preparations directly to the body. Similar implements also formed part of Roman toilet sets and were used for cosmetics, perfumes and personal hygiene.
The versatility of the ligula made it a widely used instrument throughout the Roman Empire. Archaeological examples range from simple slender implements to finely finished pieces with moulded or ornamented grips, such as the larger instrument in this collection.
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.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* 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
Century/timeframe
1st-3rd century AD
Name of object
Medical Tools
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
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.
