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_900x900.jpg "Roman Cobalt Blue Glass Unguentarium")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Cobalt Blue Glass Unguentarium")
.jpg "Roman Cobalt Blue Glass Unguentarium")
LOT 0193
Roman Cobalt Blue Glass Unguentarium
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (15 grams, 88 mm).
Delicate cobalt-blue glass unguentarium comprising a piriform body with slight constriction at the base of the cylindrical neck, everted folded rim and a slightly concave base; traces of earthly deposits to the surface.
ProvenancePrivate collection, 1990s-early 2000s.
LiteratureCf. The British Museum, accession number 1901,0413.3009, for type. A very fine item, with a very attractive royal blue colour.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-21 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
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With onion-knop finials, gusset to the bow, chamfered sections to the foot, hinged pin to the reverse. 31.8 grams, 67 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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Shallow body with impressed annulets framing the discus, a cockerel at the centre with its left leg raised and head extended upwards. 95 grams, 94 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
