Lot 287 | A RARE ROMAN ROCK CRYSTAL SHELL.

Bertolami Fine Art - Piazza Lovatelli 1, 00186 Roma

A RARE ROMAN ROCK CRYSTAL SHELL.

A RARE ROMAN ROCK CRYSTAL SHELL.

1st - 2nd century A.D.

30 x 27 x 11 mm

Decorative element in the shape of a shell characterized by radial ribs (of the type Acanthocardia tuberculata, bivalve). Through hole with deposits. Slightly concave inside. Wear marks. These shells in rock crystal are usually considered playing pieces (game counter), even if it is not fully proven, otherwise funerary ex voto later used as a pendant (through hole). Otherwise as toiletry elements to contain the make-up for the funerary equipment. Rare.

British Museum Database: Rock crystal cockle-shell, probably a game-counter. inv. 1923,0401.1181; inv. 1923,0401.1182 (samew size) ; Rock Crystal Pendant in the Shape of a Shell From a woman’s grave c.1st Century AD, Benaki Museum.

Provenance: From the collection of an European gentleman, acquired on the art market