Roman Glass Flask

Comprising a hoop with raised bosses, a large rectangular bezel with an incuse bee motif. 9.81 grams, 30.08 mm overall, 18.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Polygonal hoops appear to be generally 4th-century in date. The shape of the ring clearly belongs to the Guiraud type 8 rings.

Sub-rectangular panel fragment made from mosaic-type glass in shades of green and cream; one polished face, edge chipped; mounted on a custom-made stand. 460 grams total, glass: 11.9 cm



with old 19th-century label ‘240’ to the reverse. Dr Jutaro Kawabe, Nagoya, Japan, assembled during the 1960s-1980s. with Hoshigaoka Gallery until the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13094-248079.

The decoration is well documented in the Eastern Roman Empire, especially the Syro-Palestinian coast. The most frequently occurring colours in these glass mosaics are opaque red, but green and blue tints are not uncommon.

With oblate body and dimple base, tubular neck with rounded rim; applied trail to the neck. 76 grams, 12.9 cm



From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s.