Late Roman Heavy Glass Flask

Formed as a dolphin with hollow-formed curved body attached at the mouth to the base; standing on the dolphin's lower back, a grotesque bearded figure of Silenus with a furry body, and with a rope tied around his waist, his arms spread holding a cymbal in each hand; stub to the rear where the dolphin's tail joined to form a loop; mounted on a custom-made stand. 370 grams total, 17.5 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Silenus is here represented as Papposilenus, a representation of Silenus that emphasises his old age, particularly as a stock character in satyr play or comedy. His costuming includes a body stocking tufted with hair (mallōtos chitōn) that seems to have come into use in the mid-5th century B.C.

Discoid in plan, both sides with Jupiter presenting Victory on globe to an emperor, legend surrounding. 4.43 grams, 27 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Each barrel-shaped with millefiori patterns in red, white, blue and yellow. 6.36 grams total, 12-14 mm



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1980s.