Loading, please wait...
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Bifacial Terracotta Forger's Coin Mould
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Discoid in plan, both sides with a standing figure, legend surrounding. 5.21 grams, 27 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Bronze Dacian Captive Head Mount
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Modelled in the half-round with hollow reverse, male mask with curls of hair framing the rounded face surmounted by a Phrygian cap with point pulled forward. 13.7 grams, 23 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Late Roman Votive Lead Mirror Inscribed 'For the woman who loves her husband'
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Comprising a discoid plate with running scroll border, lentoid-section handle with raised teardrop decoration; applied central reflective disc with Greek inscription to the reverse: 'τῆς φιλάνδρου πάντα' translating to 'For the woman who loves her husband'; with original reflective glass in situ. 35 grams, 10.3 cm
Acquired from Brigantia, York, UK, circa 2010. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Many examples of this category from the Danube region were found in female graves, where they perhaps served as grave goods considered appropriate for their connection with general issues of fertility, good fortune, and beauty, or even as protective amulets. The inscriptions found on votive lead mirrors in Pannonia, published by Németh & Szabó, show female characteristics, and the beautiful female soul as an addressee. Since lead mirror frames have been found in this Roman province only in graves of women, it is probable that these miniature mirrors, filled with glass in their central hole, were expected to serve as ritual or magical tools to assist the souls of dead women in the afterlife.
