Large Roman Iridescent Glass Vessel

Decorated with stamped patterns comprising dolphins, vegetal and floral patterns, motifs with ivy leaves and floral border strips with laurel leaves. 38.5 kg, 175.5 cm



Acquired 1970s-early 1990s. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11992-209844.

Although the majority of people were buried without coffins, there is evidence for wooden coffins, lead-framed wooden coffins, tile burials, lead coffins and stone coffins from the Roman Empire. Our typology belongs a type diffused in the Eastern Mediterranean. The leaves refer to actual garlands and flowers used to decorate tombs and altars. The dolphin was considered to ferry the souls of the dead to the afterlife and was a common motif in this period, also used for the slide-fitting of Roman sword scabbards. Romans believed these animals carried souls to the Fortunate Isles, perhaps because they could pass through the air-breathing terrestrial world and into the watery depths that claimed so many Roman sailors’ lives. This symbol would have had a personal significance for the deceased, who may have been a seafarer during life. Romans often ordered their lead coffins long before they died as the process of making them took a long time.

Hollow-formed with ellipsoid bezel, inset panel of banded iridescent glass bearing an image of a nude Greek hero with long hair, the head turned back, carrying branches, an amphora or jug at his feet. 1.18 grams, 18.29 mm overall, 15.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.

The inset glass bezel is probably archaic Greek or Etruscan and reused in Roman times. The traits of the man point to Archaic Hellenic features, especially the oval eyes and the long hair, and the pointed beard reminiscence of the Achaean heroes.

Comprising a stylised owl figurine standing on a flared base, with incised feather detailing to the wings, legs and body, recessed eyes to accept glass inserts (one absent); fitted with a separately modelled cowl or hood with incised detail to the breast, topped with a conical finial to accept a candle. 70 grams, 10.5 cm



Acquired in the 1980s. From the Belgian collection of Mr D.S. of Flemu. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.

The owl was the symbol of the Goddess Minerva in Roman tradition. Her name is linked etymologically to the English word 'mind' and she was considered to be the source of human intellect, patron of wisdom, crafts and sciences. The base of the figurine has been bent laterally as if to mount it on a post or rail.