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Details

LOT 0147

Roman Amber Glass Pilgrim's Flask

4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.

6 in. (107 grams, 15.2 cm high).

With tubular neck and everted rim.

Provenance

Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.

Literature

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 17.194.93 and 81.10.51, for similar.

Footnotes

'At the moment the cross is brought for veneration .... they offer oil to be blessed in little flasks. When the mouth of one of the flasks touches the Wood of the Cross, the oil instantly bubbles over, and unless it is closed very quickly it all spills out.' (The Piacenza Pilgrim, v. 173, circa 570 AD).

CONDITION

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AUCTIONS:

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LOT 0147

Roman Amber Glass Pilgrim's Flask

Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)

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