Roman Glass Cotton-Reel Type Bottle

Comprising four flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 68 grams total, 61-71 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.

With facetted shank and fluted shoulders, rectangular bezel with outer bands and central plaque bearing two lines of impressed points. 5.97 grams, 23.03 mm overall, 16.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.

Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, head turned to the left, standing on an irregular base. 2.15 grams, 14 mm high



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.