Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0837

Eastern Roman or Parthian Green Glass Sprinkler Pitcher

1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.

5 1/4 in. (191 grams, 13.5 cm).

A single-handled mould-blown pitcher, doubling as a sprinkler flask, the inner diaphragm at the junction of the neck and body with a small piercing to restrict the flow of liquid from the vessel; twenty individual ribs which radiate upwards from the pontil mark on the base towards the neck; flared and rolled rim, handle applied separately at the end of the process, formed from folded glass creating a scrollwork effect; one face of the pitcher shows the original rich green glass colour, while the other side has an area of milky oxidation.

Provenance

Originally in an old English collection.
Ex property of a Florida, USA, gentleman.

Literature

Cf. Brouwer, M., Glass from Antiquity, National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden, 1992, pp. 64-65, for similar pitchers.

Footnotes

Scholars sometimes call this rare type a 'squash glass', the reason for which is apparent when viewing the piece from beneath. The body of these vessels was produced by means of optical blowing, resulting in internal vertical ribs evenly distributed along the vessel wall.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0837

Eastern Roman or Parthian Green Glass Sprinkler Pitcher

Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Roman Iridescent Glass Bottle
    Roman Iridescent Glass Bottle
    1st-2nd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    Mould-blown with a flat-based tubular body and short neck with a returned flange rim. 21.78 grams, 91 mm



    Ex London, UK, art market 1990s.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
    Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
    3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £7

    A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34 grams total, 13-19 mm



    From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

    The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.

    Lot Details

  • Large Roman Gaming Die
    Large Roman Gaming Die
    1st-2nd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £312

    With ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 2.66 grams, 11.59 mm



    Ex Essex gentleman's collection, 2000s.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list