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LOT 0683
Roman Double-Handled Unguentarium
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (41 grams, 10.1 cm high).
An aqua glass unguentarium or double cosmetic tube of tubular form with rolled rim, two twin-looped applied handles; iridescent surfaces.
ProvenanceAcquired early 1990s.
Ex private American collection; thence by descent.
Private collection since 1998.
Cf. Whitehouse, D., The Corning Museum of Glass, Volume Two, New York, 2001, p.192, for a comparable example.
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 Nude Crouching Woman Gaming Piece
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,755
A bronze figure or gaming piece of a nude female in crouching pose with hands placed on the hips, possibly giving birth; the hair shown drawn up in a bun, segmented armband to each upper arm. 30.4 grams, 28 mm high
Private Swiss collection, acquired 2002.
The dice features six attitudes on which it could land when rolled, one of which includes the figure's head. The earliest concrete historical evidence of games played with dice originated from ancient Egypt, circa 3000 B.C., although it is generally believed by historians that dice pre-dated the ancient Egyptian civilisation. The Romans played two games using dice: Tali and Tesserae. The former originated in Greece and features four animal bones. The aim was to roll in such a way that each die displayed a different number-the higher the combined number, the greater the score. The latter was played using three dice, the goal being to roll triple six, or to achieve the highest combined numbers out of the contestants; it was a game of chance and the most common street and tavern gambling game in ancient Rome. ‘Dogs’ referred to poor scores and ‘Venus’ to high ones. Roman players rolled dice from a special cup called a fritillium onto wood, bronze, or marble boards, depending on their class and wealth. Roman elites boasted ornate boards inscribed with their names. The gambling which ensued from dice games caused extreme social issues in Roman society, leading the government to eventually outlaw dice games, although these laws were largely ignored. -
Roman Brooch Collection
Mainly 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
A mixed group of bronze plate brooches including disc-with-lugs, equal-ended and other types. 25 grams total, 28-46 mm
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Romano-Egyptian Silver Snake Ring
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
A slender silver ring in the form of a coiled flat-headed cobra with punched head and scale detailing. 5.03 grams, 27.56 mm overall, 22.13 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z, USA 12 1/2, Europe 28.77, Japan 27)
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
