Roman Dark Blue Glass Bead Bracelet

Dscoid in plan with enigmatic legend to obverse 'ΟΡωΡΙΟΥΘ', reverse with incised schematic uterus(?) and tendrils. 1.25 grams, 15 mm



Acquired on the European art market, from a collection formed in the 1990s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.

A small pale yellow collared globular jug with short neck, angular ribbon handle with two narrow prominent ribs, folded upper attachment to the cylindrical neck, several horizontal lines on the globular body, trefoil mouth. 32 grams, 74 mm



with H.A.C., Basel, prior 1999.

These globular jugs were typical of the Eastern Mediterranean in the late Roman period. The body was often decorated with ornamental threads. The jugs were often used in a manner similar to pilgrim flasks, to collect oil and water from early Christian sanctuaries.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 41.2 grams total, 17-22 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.