Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to early 2nd century CE. A set of two Roman spoons, hand-carved from ungulate bone, used for medical practices. Each spoon has a shallow scoop which narrows dramatically to a slender handle and terminates at a point for use in extracting snails or seafood from their shells. Many medical spoons were carved from wood or bone like these examples, though spoons of a higher quality were cast from high-grade silver. Size of largest (intact handle): 4.2" L x 1" W (10.7 cm x 2.5 cm).

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auction 286 - Objects (February 5-8, 2013, part of lot 577); ex-private German collection, acquired before 1992

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#138779

  • Condition: One spoon has loss to lower portion of handle. Both items have surface wear and minor abrasions, small nicks to bowls and handles, with light yellowing to surfaces. Light earthen deposits throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 25, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000