Roman Glass Unguentarium

Broad discus with palmette scrolls to the shoulders and broad nozzle, low-relief wreath of leaves and buds. 93 grams, 12.5 cm



Ex collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s.

Comprising five with round-section bodies and squared terminals; the surface decorated with engraved lines and dots. 72 grams total, 63-75 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.

Each composed of an ear hoop with hook-and-eye closure, rectangular box setting inlaid with green glass, faux ropework flange, two chain link dangles below featuring pearl beads. 3.15 grams total, 29 mm each



From the collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s.