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LOT 0661
Roman Glass Amphoriskos
1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 7/8 in. (17.6 grams, 73 mm).
Comprising a Sidonian mould-blown glass vessel with ovoid body, cylindrical neck, everted rim and twin applied handles; decorated with a medial band of swirl motifs between fluting; iridescent surfaces; rim chipped.
ProvenanceFrench collection, 1990s-early 2000s.
Acquired at a Paris auction.
From an important Paris gallery, France.
Ex private Parisian collection.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession numbers and 17.194.223, for similar decorative motif and shape using different coloured glass.
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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LOT 0661
Roman Glass Amphoriskos
Estimate £400 - 600€460 - 700 (for guidance only)$540 - 810 (for guidance only)
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Romano-British Bronze Owl Candlestick
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
Comprising a stylised owl figurine standing on a flared base, with incised feather detailing to the wings, legs and body, recessed eyes to accept glass inserts (one absent); fitted with a separately modelled cowl or hood with incised detail to the breast, topped with a conical finial to accept a candle. 70 grams, 10.5 cm
Acquired in the 1980s. From the Belgian collection of Mr D.S. of Flemu. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.
The owl was the symbol of the Goddess Minerva in Roman tradition. Her name is linked etymologically to the English word 'mind' and she was considered to be the source of human intellect, patron of wisdom, crafts and sciences. The base of the figurine has been bent laterally as if to mount it on a post or rail. -
Roman Gold Ring with Banded Glass
1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Hollow-formed with ellipsoid bezel, inset panel of banded iridescent glass bearing an image of a nude Greek hero with long hair, the head turned back, carrying branches, an amphora or jug at his feet. 1.18 grams, 18.29 mm overall, 15.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.
The inset glass bezel is probably archaic Greek or Etruscan and reused in Roman times. The traits of the man point to Archaic Hellenic features, especially the oval eyes and the long hair, and the pointed beard reminiscence of the Achaean heroes. -
Roman Blue-Green Glass Ampulla
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Slightly concave base, a piriform body with tapered shoulders, a lightly corseted neckline beneath a cylindrical neck, and a splayed rim with an in-folded lip. 81 grams, 11.6 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The ampulla was, in Ancient Rome, a small round vessel, usually made of glass and used for sacred purposes. The term can also refer to later flasks, often flatter and without handles, typically used as pilgrim souvenirs. Materials include glass, ceramics and metal. An unguentarium is a bottle believed to have been used to store perfume. Such vessels were often produced in Gaul.