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LOT 0140
Roman Footed Glass Vessel
3RD CENTURY A.D.
6 1/2 in. (59.6 grams, 16.7 cm).
Bulbous body with a flaring foot and a tall funicular neck.
ProvenanceFrom an important London, UK, collection 1980-2020.
LiteratureCf. for a similar example Filarska, B., Szkla Starozytne (Ancient Glass), vol.II, Warszawa, 1972, II, cat.122, pl.XXVII,2.
FootnotesThis bottle originates from an Eastern workshop; however, the high quality of the glass and the grinding away of the pontil mark suggest a date in the early 3rd century AD.
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 Gemstone Group
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Including Fortuna with a cornucopia, gryllus, running horses and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.11 grams total, 10-16 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Black Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £33
Composed of mixed beads, including oblate, tubular, and two with white spiral decoration, restrung. 17.4 grams, 26 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 36.2 grams total, 13-22 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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.
