Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Ancient Roman Bronze Signet Ring with Palm Tree and Two Human Figures
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€ 26
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
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Ancient Roman bronze signet ring with palm tree and two human figures, dating to circa 1st–3rd century AD, weighing 6.1 g with a 26.3 mm diameter hoop and a 29.9 × 31.4 mm rectangular bezel, in excellent condition, from a private European collection.
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Description from the seller
Ancient Roman Bronze Signet Ring with Palm Tree and Two Human Figures
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
6.1 g. and 29.9 × 31.4 mm
Diameter: 26.3 mm
From a Private European Collection.
An exceptional and extremely rare iconographic type of Ancient Roman bronze signet ring, distinguished by a remarkable engraved figural composition.
The rectangular bezel depicts a large and prominently rendered palm tree flanked by two human figures, both oriented towards the central tree. The tall trunk is carefully articulated by numerous horizontal divisions and terminates in spreading palm fronds filling the upper field. The complete scene is enclosed within an engraved rectangular border.
The combination of a monumental palm tree with two accompanying human figures appears to be exceptionally rare on surviving ancient bronze rings. A remarkably close parallel has been recorded as an Early Roman bronze ring of the 1st–2nd century AD, likewise described as depicting a “Palm Tree and two Human figures beside”. Only very few closely comparable examples appear to have been documented on the antiquities market.
The palm tree was a powerful and highly recognizable image throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, associated in different contexts with victory, prosperity, fertility and the eastern provinces of the Roman world. The precise significance of the two figures accompanying the palm on the present ring remains enigmatic, making the composition particularly intriguing.
An Ancient Image Brought Back to Life:
Especially remarkable is the preservation of the engraved seal.
When viewed directly upon the ancient bronze, the miniature composition initially appears subtle. Once impressed into a soft material, however, the original image becomes dramatically clearer: the central palm tree and the two flanking human figures emerge as a complete pictorial scene.
This allows us to experience the object much as its owner did nearly two thousand years ago. The engraved bezel was not merely decorative: it was conceived as a negative image intended to create a positive impression, potentially serving as a personal identifying device.
The ring survives complete, retaining its original circular hoop and rectangular engraved bezel, with an attractive dark green-brown ancient patina.
A fascinating and exceptionally rare Roman signet ring, combining an unusual figural composition, striking palm-tree iconography and the remarkable survival of a still clearly readable ancient seal.
Extremely rare iconographic type. An outstanding collector's piece.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Ancient Roman Bronze Signet Ring with Palm Tree and Two Human Figures
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
6.1 g. and 29.9 × 31.4 mm
Diameter: 26.3 mm
From a Private European Collection.
An exceptional and extremely rare iconographic type of Ancient Roman bronze signet ring, distinguished by a remarkable engraved figural composition.
The rectangular bezel depicts a large and prominently rendered palm tree flanked by two human figures, both oriented towards the central tree. The tall trunk is carefully articulated by numerous horizontal divisions and terminates in spreading palm fronds filling the upper field. The complete scene is enclosed within an engraved rectangular border.
The combination of a monumental palm tree with two accompanying human figures appears to be exceptionally rare on surviving ancient bronze rings. A remarkably close parallel has been recorded as an Early Roman bronze ring of the 1st–2nd century AD, likewise described as depicting a “Palm Tree and two Human figures beside”. Only very few closely comparable examples appear to have been documented on the antiquities market.
The palm tree was a powerful and highly recognizable image throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, associated in different contexts with victory, prosperity, fertility and the eastern provinces of the Roman world. The precise significance of the two figures accompanying the palm on the present ring remains enigmatic, making the composition particularly intriguing.
An Ancient Image Brought Back to Life:
Especially remarkable is the preservation of the engraved seal.
When viewed directly upon the ancient bronze, the miniature composition initially appears subtle. Once impressed into a soft material, however, the original image becomes dramatically clearer: the central palm tree and the two flanking human figures emerge as a complete pictorial scene.
This allows us to experience the object much as its owner did nearly two thousand years ago. The engraved bezel was not merely decorative: it was conceived as a negative image intended to create a positive impression, potentially serving as a personal identifying device.
The ring survives complete, retaining its original circular hoop and rectangular engraved bezel, with an attractive dark green-brown ancient patina.
A fascinating and exceptionally rare Roman signet ring, combining an unusual figural composition, striking palm-tree iconography and the remarkable survival of a still clearly readable ancient seal.
Extremely rare iconographic type. An outstanding collector's piece.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
circa 1st–3rd century AD
Name of object
Ancient Roman Bronze Signet Ring with Palm Tree and Two Human Figures
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
