Roman Glass Flask

Mixed group including a standing female, a perching bird and others; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.66 grams total, 7-16 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Two of the gemstones in this collection show cockerels. The motif of fighting or individual cockerels was very popular in the classical world, and individual cockerels (the animal often associated with gods, such as Mercury or Sol/Helios) were also often depicted in a standing position. Another gemstone appears to represent a nude figure of Dionysos/Bacchus draped in a long cloak, and another shows Helios with a radiate crown.

Slender hoop with rectangular bezel, impressed legend 'ΠΙΧΑ[.]'. 0.69 grams, 20.41 mm overall, 19.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Formed as imperial birds modelled in the round, each standing on the head of a horned bull, wings partially spread; semi-naturalistic detailing to the head and feathers; suspension loop behind the neck. 482 grams total, 86-92 mm



Acquired in Europe before 1992. Private collection, UK.