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LOT 0745
Roman Glass Bottle
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
5 in. (102 grams, 12.9 cm).
With dimpled base, flared neck and carinated flange below the mouth, rounded rim.
ProvenanceFrom an important London collection of glass, 1990s.
PublishedExhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 27th August-10th December 2025; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
LiteratureCf. for similar examples Filarska, B., Szkla Starozytne (Ancient Glass), vol.II, Warszawa, 1972, II, cat.82, pl.XVII,1.
FootnotesThe vessel's shape is a simplified version of a cup decorated with a zigzag line. This is characteristic of Palestinian workshops. Two similar vessels, similar to this one, have been found in Palestine: one in Beit Fajjar, dating to the late 3rd-4th century CE, the other in an unidentified location.
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Roman Silver Ring with Red Jasper Gemstone with Greek Inscription
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Broad hoop and plaque with jasper bezel, octagonal in section with Greek legend to the upper face 'CTEΦANOY' (belonging to Stephen); supplied with a museum-quality impression. 11.13 grams, 24.93 mm overall, 19.05 x 13.11 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
UK private collection since 1956. Formed in the 1950s by Mr and Mrs S. Broukal, thence by descent. Private collection, England. -
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Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Minerva in Iron Bezel
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Ferrous bezel with inset intaglio of Minerva standing with spear and shield, one hand extended with patera. 3.5 grams, 23 mm
Ex gentleman's specialist collection, 1990-2015. -
Roman Terracotta Jug of a Woman Holding a Flask
Mid 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £936
Formed as a seated elderly woman with a short neck and handle with deep decorative ridges, stylised detailing to the face and hair tied in a bun, wine-jug (lagynos) gripped in her arms and between her knees, detailing to folds of garments; her pierced ears were likely once adorned with earrings. 345 grams, 17 cm
Acquired 1980s. Ex B Lee North collection. Accompanied by a positive thermoluminescence analysis report, sample no.N122e54 from Oxford Authentication. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.11312-188595.
The motif of an old, drunken woman corresponds to a well-known Hellenistic repertoire. These jugs were produced in Africa and were widespread within the Empire. Recent analysis carried out on a North African bottle of the drink ‘anus’, found in an exceptional state of preservation in Valencia, concluded that the vessel contained a resin from the Pinocea family intended to waterproof the vessel, which probably contained vegetable oil.
