Description
Material: Clay, terracotta
Period: Roman Imperial
Date: 1st to 3rd century AD
Origin: Roman provinces
Condition: VF, small loss to top of one lobe. A rare and important piece.
Description: A moulded terracotta clay fruit in the shape of a Quince, the remnants of the flower denoted by a cross on the top. The base has a hole such that it may have been supported or secured
Size and Weight: 42mm x 54mm, 91g
Features and Provenance: Ex Prince collection via the Al Thani Collection, at present displayed in Paris. The collection was accumulated personally by the Sheikh of Qatar during the 1990’s to 2014 .
The terracotta forms of fruit were used for ornamentation as well as an objects with religious meaning. The quince was a sacred fruit of Venus, she is seen holding a quince in her right hand, and therefore was a symbol of love and fertility. In Roman times the quince was used for food, medicine and was made into conserves. Recipes for honeyed quinces in sweet white wine and even in beef stew have been found in historical texts. It was brought to Britain when the Roman arrived and now thrives here but rarely ripens totally due to the lack of heat required to be bletted – maybe this will change in years to come!
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of pattern etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present. but may be worn
Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible
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