Roman Buffware Slipper Oil Lamp

The goddess standing in contrapposto pose with her weight on her left leg, her right leg bent and pulled back; wearing an Ionic chiton and himation secured by a characteristic knot tied between her breasts, the folds cascading to the floor; the toes of her left foot emerging from below the flaring hem of her robe; her centre-parted wavy locks locks fastened with a band, pulled back in a chignon at the nape of her neck and surmounted by a tall modius; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.22 kg total, 20.5 cm high (28 cm high including stand)



Acquired in Israel, 1990s. Ex Sasson Ancient Art, Jerusalem. with Christie's, New York, 13 December 2013, no.139 (US$ 50,000-$80,000). Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 12017-213617.

These statuettes were used in the service of domestic cults and reflect native Greek or Roman cult practices. The Roman household shrine, or lararium, received its name from the lares, the guardian spirits of the house and household, who were frequently displayed in the shrine, either in painted or sculpted form. This was prevalent in all the corners of the empire, also in the East and in Greece. Studies of bronze statuettes found in Roman provinces have shown how regional variations of lararia figures reflect the mixed religious beliefs of the inhabitants.

Hexagonal in plan with fastening holes, a band of cobalt blue enamelled spirals around the central aperture, interspersed with floral motifs, all enclosed within a scalloped border. 43.9 grams, 64 mm



Acquired 1980s-1990s. Private collection of H. N., Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK.

Scholars have been able to establish the extent to which the manufacture of glass for enamel production was standardised through the Roman Empire during the 1st to 4th centuries. Enamels were probably fused from primary raw materials in specific production centres, one of which has been located in the Gallo-Roman villa of Anthee, France. The decoration with its undulating tendril and pellets in contrasting enamel is influenced by La Tène design of the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.

Low dish with flared sidewall and basal ring. 56 grams, 66 mm



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.