Roman Blue Glass Bead Necklace String

Formed as a miniature labrys with pierced socket. 8.33 grams, 44 mm



From a private Netherlands collection; previously in an old collection since before 1980.

With a later inset jasper cloison, intaglio advancing bull motif. 8.62 grams, 26.05 mm overall, 20.85 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired between the 1960s-early 1990s. From an old UK private collector from Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Property of K.P., a Cornish lady collector, UK.

Mould-blown from translucent glass, the globular body on a circular flat base tapering at the shoulders to a cylindrical neck with an everted rim; a single applied handle; the body decorated with a horizontal band of a continuous Vitruvian wave framed by a double circumferential line, decorative ridges above and below; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 16.7 grams, 66 mm (33.9 grams total, 79.4 mm high including stand)



From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1948-2000. Ex J.L. collection Surrey, UK.

The pitcher belongs to a late Roman group decorated with granulated circles forming like volutes. The shape of these globular pitchers is well known since the 1st-2nd century A.D., with the rim folded up and the handle applied to the shoulders, but the decoration is more typical of a later age.