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Peter Reynaers

An Ancient Roman bronze key ring featuring a substantial round loop and square-shaped protruding key. The key portion of the ring extends perpendicular to the loop and is centred with a meander motif. Patination to the surface.

The Romans were skilled locksmiths and produced finger-rings in the form of keys. The different shapes of the wards suggest that they were intended for use as keys rather than being merely decorative. Keys were considered a status symbol because the owner implied that he had valuable assets to protect by wearing them. Such rings are also believed to have symbolised marriage or betrothal, and were worn by Roman brides to signify their role in household management.

Internal diameter: circa 1.7cm; closest UK ring size: J

Provenance: Ex Spanish collection, JV Gallery, Madrid, acquired 1970s-90s.


Circa 1st-4th Century

Ancient Roman Bronze Ring Key

Archaeology

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Spain

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Dimensions

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Object

Ancient artwork

Ring

Ancient sculptures carvings and figurines

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Country of origin

Unknown

Europe

Netherlands

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China

Switzerland

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Canada

Cambodia

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Dominican Republic

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Material

Bronze

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Stone

Alabaster

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Jasper

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Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

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Period

1650-1700

Cretaceous, Lower (145 - 100.5 million years)

Before 16th

Yuan-Ming Dynasty

Han Dynasty (206 B.C.- 220 A.D.)

Northern Song (960-1127)

Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

Tang Dynasty (618-907)

Quaternary, Pleistocene (2.58 - 0.0117 million years)

1450-1500

1850-1900

Subject

Buddha

Deity

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Woman

Zeus

Heracles

Horus

Bull

Osiris

Anubis

Thoth

Hathor

Isis

Animals

Buddhist figure

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Style

Ancient Roman

Ancient Egyptian

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Neolithic

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Western Asiatic

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Archaeology

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Ancient Roman Bronze Ring Key

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