Roman Deep Blue Glass Bead Necklace String

A decorative fitting with roaring mouth and protruding fangs and tongue, the whiskers depicted in raised radiating ridges, with lidded, elongated almond-shaped eyes and small, round ears; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.11 kg total, 17.5 cm including stand



with Christie’s, New York, 8 June 2001, no.58. Donati collection, Lugano, prior to 1982. Collection of Banca della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, prior to 1986. Formerly in the Bourgknecht collection, Switzerland. Accompanied by Art Loss certificate no.S00123227.

This head was probably, as was the parallel head of the Barberini Tomb, originally attached to a magnificent bronze cauldron. These large cauldrons of hammered bronze were realised with heads and necks of two lions and two gryphons attached to the rim. The cauldrons were spherical in form and rested on a stand.

Mould-blown with elliptical body, short neck and thick everted rim, with modelled wrinkles. 13 grams, 10.5 cm (46 grams total, 12 cm including stand)



From an important glass collection, London, UK, 1980-1990.

Bottles shaped like dates are among the most common varieties of 1st century mould-blows vessels. Examples have been discovered in most part of the Roman Empire, with a concentration of finds in the Eastern Mediterranean.

With expanding D-section hoop, scooped shoulders and tall bezel, inset later carnelian intaglio with a star motif. 7.11 grams, 26.49 mm overall, 18.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



From an East London collection; previously in a collection formed between 1990-2000.