Greco-Roman Terracotta - Palmyrene - symbols - tesserae (rare) in relief on each face (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 31
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
 | €31 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €26 | |
 | €21 | |
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Rare Palmyrene terracotta tessera from the Greco-Roman culture, dating to the 1st–2nd century CE, with relief on both faces, in good condition and acquired in 2018 from a UK gallery.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
RARE ROMAN TESSERAe
Antique terracotta tesserae, probably a theatre token, featuring a relief scene on each face.
Face A: two reclining goddesses
Face B: two figures sacrificing on an altar
A similar model is on display at the Louvre Museum
https://www.photo.rmn.fr/archive/08-513874-2C6NU0I3CG36.html
Many tesserae like this one were found at Palmyra
Eastern Roman Empire, 1st to 2nd century AD.
Dimensions 15 mm x 13 mm - Excellent condition
Palmyra, an ancient city of the Roman colony, is built in an oasis and thrived in Roman times. The city’s fate was tied to Queen Zenobia, the last to revolt against the Romans, who eventually destroyed the city in 272/273 AD. Palmyra was an independent city after the conquest of Syria by the Seleucids and a trading post between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean Sea. The Greco-Roman tradition and the city’s location at the borders of Roman and Parthian territories created the conditions needed for the development of a distinctive culture.
The palmyrene tokens (σύμβολα, tesserae / tessères) mentioned in the bibliography constitute a particular category of ancient artifacts. They are tiles of various shapes, made almost exclusively of clay and bearing relief motifs on both sides. Specialists have suggested that these objects played an important role in Palmyrene religious festivals, as they were used to gain access to ceremonial meals or distributions after certain sacrifices. They date from the 1st to the 3rd century AD and provide important information on Palmyrene deities and the broader Semitic religious history.
The oldest examples of Palmyrene Tesserae are known from the early 1st century AD, and the late 3rd century AD.
Provenance information:
UK, T.V. gallery, ref 763. Previous provenance history, former British private collection assembled in the 1970s.
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained, provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
An illustrated certificate of authenticity will be provided to the buyer.
Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will ensure that the necessary authorisations, such as an export licence, are arranged. (cultural object passport)
The seller will inform the buyer of their status if this takes more than a few days.
Seller's Story
Archeologia is a professional seller located in Metropolitan France. specializing in the sale of archaeological objects.
All items for sale have been legally acquired and have been subject to an appraisal.
An illustrated certificate including the description of the object and the provenance is provided with any object purchased.
Translated by Google TranslateRARE ROMAN TESSERAe
Antique terracotta tesserae, probably a theatre token, featuring a relief scene on each face.
Face A: two reclining goddesses
Face B: two figures sacrificing on an altar
A similar model is on display at the Louvre Museum
https://www.photo.rmn.fr/archive/08-513874-2C6NU0I3CG36.html
Many tesserae like this one were found at Palmyra
Eastern Roman Empire, 1st to 2nd century AD.
Dimensions 15 mm x 13 mm - Excellent condition
Palmyra, an ancient city of the Roman colony, is built in an oasis and thrived in Roman times. The city’s fate was tied to Queen Zenobia, the last to revolt against the Romans, who eventually destroyed the city in 272/273 AD. Palmyra was an independent city after the conquest of Syria by the Seleucids and a trading post between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean Sea. The Greco-Roman tradition and the city’s location at the borders of Roman and Parthian territories created the conditions needed for the development of a distinctive culture.
The palmyrene tokens (σύμβολα, tesserae / tessères) mentioned in the bibliography constitute a particular category of ancient artifacts. They are tiles of various shapes, made almost exclusively of clay and bearing relief motifs on both sides. Specialists have suggested that these objects played an important role in Palmyrene religious festivals, as they were used to gain access to ceremonial meals or distributions after certain sacrifices. They date from the 1st to the 3rd century AD and provide important information on Palmyrene deities and the broader Semitic religious history.
The oldest examples of Palmyrene Tesserae are known from the early 1st century AD, and the late 3rd century AD.
Provenance information:
UK, T.V. gallery, ref 763. Previous provenance history, former British private collection assembled in the 1970s.
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained, provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
An illustrated certificate of authenticity will be provided to the buyer.
Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will ensure that the necessary authorisations, such as an export licence, are arranged. (cultural object passport)
The seller will inform the buyer of their status if this takes more than a few days.
Seller's Story
Archeologia is a professional seller located in Metropolitan France. specializing in the sale of archaeological objects.
All items for sale have been legally acquired and have been subject to an appraisal.
An illustrated certificate including the description of the object and the provenance is provided with any object purchased.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Greco-Roman
Century/timeframe
1er / 2ème Siècle après J.-C.
Name of object
- Palmyrene - symbols - tesserae (rare) in relief on each face
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2018
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
2018
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
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.
