Roman Glass Candlestick Unguentarium

Comprising two flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 28.7 grams total, 61-63 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.

Green with applied slightly raised foot, u-shaped cross section with stepped double rim 54 grams, 75 mm wide



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

Each composed of a penannular hoop with filigree ornament, single granulated bead below, suspended on a cylindrical bar with vertical columns of filigree wire; elements joined with later silver wire; repaired. 10.33 grams total, 46-48 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.