Roman Figural Carnelian Gemstone

Bulbous with flat base, tall stem neck, splayed rim with an in-folded lip. 46 grams, 12.7 cm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

During the early Roman period the glass-making techniques used by the Greeks were continued. Much of the glass was buried and as a result acquired an attractive lustrous patination. Roman glass became a medium for the promotion of the emperor and imperial propaganda, as well as having utilitarian purposes. Glass blowing, a new technique, meant that quantities of identical bottles could be produced.

With intaglio profile bust of Isis with Hathor crown and cornucopia; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.91 grams, 14 mm



From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

With a lug handle and oval elongated body, two central filling-holes flanking the image of prophet Daniel enclosed within a decorative shallow border; two thin concentric circles on the base, possibly a blurred potter’s mark to the middle. 196 grams, 14.5 cm



From the collection of the French archaeologist Suzanne Gozlan, 1921-2022.

The lamp belongs to the type Atlante X or Hayes II A. The so-called Christian lamps in Terra Sigillata Africana have been classified by Hayes into two major types, I and II. He has distinguished two classes in his type II, according to geographic place of manufacture or origin. Subtype II A group lamps from central Tunisia are characterised by a fine clay, glossy light orange slip, and carefully executed decoration using a great number of neatly drawn shoulder motives.