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LOT 0196
Large Gallo-Roman Mould-Blown Green Glass Flask
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
8 in. (303 grams, 20.6 cm).
Square in plan with rounded shoulder and trumpet-shaped mouth; folded strap handle.
ProvenanceCollection F. Martens Netherlands, 1980s-1990s.
Anonymous sale, Cahn International Auction, Basel, Switzerland, 2010.
Private collection, Europe.
Exhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 4th March 2026-7th June 2026; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
LiteratureCf. identical bottle in Istenič, J., Roman Stories from the crossroads, Ljubljana, 2015, p.65 fig.65.
FootnotesGlass blowing was first used in the early 1st century B.C. and became widespread in the 1st century A.D. It simplified and increased the production of glass vessels, reducing their cost and transforming them into a general commodity. In the 1st century A.D., colourful glass vessels were still popular, while glass with a natural, light green colour, such as this, gained popularity in the subsequent centuries.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
With a thick conical body and a pontil base, five horizontal grooves cut around the outer face of the body; traces of iridescence. 295 grams, 19 cm
Dr Jutaro Kawabe, Nagoya, Japan, his collection formed in the 1960s-1970s. with Hoshigaoka Gallery until the late 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13277-254062.
Conical vessels of this form could be used as either a lamp or a beaker; notably during the late imperial period in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire and in the early Migration period. Deep cuts on this piece suggest it was used with suspension chains or ropes, making it highly likely that this example was used as a lamp. -
Roman Carnelian Jupiter Gemstone in Gold Ring
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Ex M. Bartlett collection, 1990s.