Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An adorable leaded bronze pendant of a mouse holding a petite wheel-shaped piece of food to his mouth with his front paws. The charming creature displays a plump body supported by stubby legs with a pointed snout, incised eyes, round, raised ears, and a sinuous tail that loops up behind him, creating a suspension hoop. Incised dashes representing fur adorn the rodent's body. Size (of mouse): 1.5" L x 0.4" W x 0.8" H (3.8 cm x 1 cm x 2 cm); Size (of strand): 22" L (55.9 cm)
A similar though less complete example sold at Christie's, London for 7,500 British pounds (equivalent to $10,126.50) on December 5th, 2017 as lot 78 in Live Auction 14231 "Antiquities."
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#137074
Condition
Mouse pendant is ancient and strung on modern strand to be wearable. Some light abrasions to surface commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely green and russet patina.