Roman Ceramic Inkwell

Of bulbous form, with a broad everted rim, integral scallops at the neck and splayed handle, perforated floral motif to centre of bowl, scrolling waves around and Greek key pattern above; hole to bowl. 97 grams, 17.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 200925.

Round-bowled strainers of various sizes occur in many late Roman hoards of domestic silver. They were used to strain the sediment from wine as it was poured into a drinking vessel. It is noteworthy that wine could have been a kind of gift from the Romans to the members of the foreign or provincial elite, often allies of the Roman leaders. Sets of bronze dishes (such as jars, scoops and strainers) along with glass horns (often with bronze fittings) and silver cups for drinking, usually placed in the so-called princely graves, confirm the wine consumption and indicate the area of its occurrence also outside the Empire.

Complete with pin and catchplate to reverse; the axe decorated with blue and red enamel fill. 3.17 grams, 26 mm



Acquired in the 1970s. Ex Clark collection, Dorset; UK.

Comprising three rectangular belt fittings: two with similar laurel leaf decoration and raised border, the third central plaque with two foliate pendants with punched decoration. 243 grams, 17 cm

Very fine, excellent condition

Acquired before the 1970s. Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, U.K., thence by descent.

Most precious military belts were reserved for soldiers belonging to Legiones Palatinae, i.e. the legions forming part of the imperial Comitatus, accompanying the emperor in his military expeditions.