Roman Bronze Enamelled Seal Box Lid with Phallus

Object Description

A finely cast Roman bronze seal box lid, featuring a piriform shape with a separately-cast phallus riveted in place at the centre. The head of the phallus has been moulded into a circular bezel, enriched with white enamel. To the rear of the lid is a loop where a hinge would have been attached. There is a small, tapered protrusion to the tip of the reverse, probably intended to secure the lid in place when covering the now-missing seal box.

Date: Circa 2nd-3rd century AD

Object History

Ex London, UK, gentleman’s collection, 1990s.

Object Condition

Fine condition, some earthly encrustations and patination to the surface. Remnants of the original hinge remains in the loop, blocking the perforation.

Object Details