Large Roman Handled Terracotta Jar

Comprising a conical body with granulated collars to the lower end and centre, red and green glass bead above. 1.44 grams, 32 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.

Comprising a massive buckle with two rectangular openings and pin, four rectangular appliqués and one pelta appliqué. 147 grams total, 30-64 mm



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.

The assembly is linked to the horse harnesses of the 3rd century A.D., characterised by the presence of a peltate application and four decorative elements for the bridle or antilena/postilena straps, and by a massive buckle for the horse's girth strap.

Comprising the bust of Antinous or Bacchus (Greek Dionysus); the head modelled in the round, hair with voluminous waves, semi-naturalistic facial features, muscular neck and chest, two loops at the sides for the handle, silver inlaid eyes restored with black glass pupils. 300 grams, 10 cm



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an EU collection before 2020.

The balsamarium (ointment or balsam container), is a modern term reflecting the Roman use of relatively small vessels as containers for aromatic oils, or storing and dispensing cosmetic liquids and/or scented powdered substances. These vessels were produced in the first three centuries of the Roman Empire in a variety of forms, including busts and animal shapes. The present balsamarium testifies to the power of imperial imagery and its dissemination across the empire, as the vessel portrays Antinous, Emperor Hadrian's ‘favourite’, whose untimely death in a boating accident led to his deification. The general facial characteristics of our figure are consistent with the stylistic portrait features of late antiquity and the personal features of Antinous, here appearing with large almond-shaped eyes, set into slightly upturned, incised pupils.