Roman Glass Face Bead

Broadly spool-shaped with a squat body, tapering cylindrical neck and flared rolled rim. 43.7 grams, 63 mm



Acquired 1969-1999. From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, thence by descent.

Of bulbous form, with a broad everted rim, integral scallops at the neck and splayed handle, perforated floral motif to centre of bowl, scrolling waves around and Greek key pattern above; hole to bowl. 97 grams, 17.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 200925.

Round-bowled strainers of various sizes occur in many late Roman hoards of domestic silver. They were used to strain the sediment from wine as it was poured into a drinking vessel. It is noteworthy that wine could have been a kind of gift from the Romans to the members of the foreign or provincial elite, often allies of the Roman leaders. Sets of bronze dishes (such as jars, scoops and strainers) along with glass horns (often with bronze fittings) and silver cups for drinking, usually placed in the so-called princely graves, confirm the wine consumption and indicate the area of its occurrence also outside the Empire.

Trumpet bezel with frontal parts of a rampant lion, ribbed shoulders. 2.42 grams, 20.98 mm overall, 16.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.