Roman Clear Glass Bottle

Comprising a shallow bowl fitted with handles and raised foot, the rim engraved with petals. 39 grams, 95 mm wide



From a North Yorkshire, UK, private collection. Acquired from Adam Partridge Auctioneers, Macclesfield, UK. Property of Mr A.B., an American collector.

In regards of the shape, Roman silver vessels usually fall into three classes: (1) vessels for eating; (2) vessels for drinking; (3) jugs and saucepans (trullae). The first class includes flat, circular dishes (lances), often of considerable size; the situlae or buckets, and the bowls with projecting rims (our specimen) of various dimensions. The form of the present bowl (probably used for spices, like pepper [piperatoria]) occurs all over the Mediterranean basin, and is Alexandrian in origin.

Discoid plaque with applied ropework wreath detailing, suspension loop with filigree borders and granule below, inset cameo gorgoneion; ring at bottom for attachment of a securing chain. 5.06 grams, 29 mm



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

Including T-shaped, aucissa and other types; all complete with pins. 13 grams total, 35-50 mm



Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.