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LOT 0824
Roman Glass Lachrymatory
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 7/8 in. (19 grams, 12.3 cm).
With long, narrow neck separated from the body by a constriction; funicular mouth. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx W.Kern, Zurich, 1950s-1970s (d.1980s).
Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00086748.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Filarska, B., Szkla Starozytne (Ancient Glass) vol.II, Warszawa, 1972, II, cat.197-198, pl.XLII, nos.3-4, for similar unguentaria; Whitehouse, D., Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, vol.1, New York, 1997, item 259.
FootnotesA lachrymatory (from Latin lacrima, tear) is a type of earthenware or, more commonly, glass container found in Roman and Greek tombs, thought to be bottles into which the relatives of the deceased had dropped their tears. They most likely contained ointments, and the discovery of so many of these containers (unguentaria) in tombs is due to the use of ointments in funeral ceremonies. These lachrymatories are usually shaped like a spindle or flask with a long neck and a bulb-shaped body.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Large Roman Tinned Bronze Military Patera
1st century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
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. 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. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
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 Trajan's 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. -
Romano-British Decorated Lead Cross
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Flat-section pendant cross with pointillé detailing to the obverse. 7.4 grams, 34 mm
Found Lincolnshire, UK, circa 2004. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. Accompanied by a laminated identification label. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Green Glass Vessel
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Transparent pale green with bulbous body, rounded lip, flared neck and concave base. 48 grams, 11 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The small bottle can be associated with the Isings form 104b. There are some parallels from graves at Beit Ras, Jordan and Samaria-Sebaste. Some models of the type have faint ribs.