Description:

Ancient Art. Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A weight for use on a steelyard (statera) balance, made of cast bronze around an iron and lead core, in the form of a snarling lion. A hook for suspension rises from the top of the head. The lion was symbolic of power and ferocity, and would also have called to mind fierce gladitorial fights. Size: 1.4" L x 1.5" W x 1.5" H (3.6 cm x 3.8 cm x 3.8 cm)

Steelyard balances were used to weight loads by moving a counterweight along the beam until it balanced and then reading the incised numeral. Vitruvius describes them and their function in his De Architectura, Book X, 3-4.

See a full example with a weight that sold at Christie's for approximately $7852 in 2008: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-late-roman-bronze-steelyard-balance-and-5060684-details.aspx

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#126261

  • Condition: Smooth, very dark green patina on surface.

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August 31, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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