Roman Glass Double Unguentarium with Handles

With a deep bowl and flat-section handle with integral loop; shallow concentric grooves around the exterior of the neck, rolled rim, concentric rings to the underside; finished on a lathe; cracked and split. 903 grams, 33 cm wide



Acquired in Europe before 1993. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11788-206494.

In contrast to their elaborate counterparts, paterae such as this were likely carried as part of the standard kit of Roman soldiers, used as a general cooking and eating utensil. The regular heap up (sarcina) of the legionaries is well represented on the reliefs of the Trajan column. It was composed of a T stake (furca), to which a linen bag (sacculus) was hung, as well as the leather haversack for 15-20 days supplies (trinum nundinum) and personal effects, a pot (ollula), a cup (patera), and a basket for work on the fields.

Modelled with naturalistic detailing on all fours as if nibbling at food held between the forepaws, curled tail and on a rectagular base. 35.6 grams, 31 mm wide



‘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.

Bulbous body, cylindrical neck and everted rim. 39.3 grams, 12 cm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.