Large Roman Ribbed Glass Wine Vessel

A bronze figure of Silenus standing nude with vine-leaf wreath on the brow, muscular physique, dressed beard and stern facial expression, holding a bunch of grapes in the left hand; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 104 grams, 65 mm high (127 grams total, 71 mm high including stand)



Private Swiss collection, acquired 2001. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11621-199008.

Silenus was closely associated with the Dionysian cult. He was a deity associated with the forest, wine, drunkenness, the treading-dance of the wine press an orgiastic ritual. Whilst intoxicated, Silenus was belied to possess the power of prophecy. He helped raise the god Dionysus, son of Zeus, after he was entrusted to him by Hermes. Once, whilst travelling with Dionysus through Phrygia, Silenus was captured by king Midas who treated his captive hospitably. As a reward, Dionysus granted the king his famous 'golden touch'. The sacred animal of Silenus is the donkey, the mode of transport he often used according to Greek mythology.

A mixed group of 20 copper-alloy rings of various types and sizes, including examples with glass cabochons, incised geometric motifs to the bezels, cruciform motifs, tiered bezels and other types. 59 grams total, 15-24 mm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

A bifacial discoid lead pendant with suspension loop, one face displaying a star within crescent and lettering below: 'ABPA / CAE'; figure of Abraxas. 3.9 grams, 24 mm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.