1st-2nd century A.D. A copper-alloy pyxis of architectural form, a column to each corner, and a bull's head to two of the sides; one side with a male head and the opposite side with a female head; the busts with rectangular recessed plaques below containing inscribed names: 'IVLIVS' and 'LVCIA'; domed lid with corded ribs rising from each corner towards the apex, bulbous finial, knop to each corner. See Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques De Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 384, 385, for similar miniature altars, without lid. 70.6 grams, 53 mm high (2 1/8 in.). German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK. This pyxis is most likely to have been an ink-pot or a cosmetic box. The fine manufacture, the precision of the details and the presence of male and female names indicate that it was probably intended as a marriage gift. The man was probably an army officer, considering that he is wearing armour and a corona civica, as military decoration. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions .]