Roman Glass Unguentarium

Piriform two-part container with three holes to the underside, hinge to the broad end, obverse with ropework border and stylised phallus in high-relief. 9.97 grams, 38 mm



Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.

Comprising a keeled hoop forked at the shoulders to form two elegant scrolls supporting the raised bezel, decorative grooves framing the garnet cabochon. 8.16 grams, 23.85 mm overall, 19.37 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Acquired from London galleries during the 1990s. From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12114-214295.

The type of ring seems to date (with the volutes on the shoulders) to the late 2nd-early 3rd century A.D., although the model is certainly derived from the Hellenistic world. The use of carnelian and garnet was abundant in Hellenistic and Roman rings, and the style of the rings continued without change in the Roman Hellenised east.

Zoomorphic bow brooch with hexagonal-section head and hinge for the pin, bow forming the horse's body and smaller bow for the neck with hatched mane; catch formed by the forelegs. 16.5 grams, 37 mm



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.