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LOT 1033
Roman Glass Vessel
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 in. (20.5 grams, 10.6 cm).
With flattened discoid body and tall neck with flared mouth, applied rim.
ProvenanceFrom a London, UK, collection, 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. for similar The Metropolitan Museum, New York, item 74.51.67, in Lightfoot, C. S., The Cesnola Collection of Cypriot Art: Ancient Glass, New York, 2017, p.290, no.430.
FootnotesGlass flasks, such as this example, were used as containers for ointments, powders, balms, and other expensive liquids such as perfumes. These flattened spherical vessels were often utilised by pilgrims to carry water on their travels. This particular form appears to be a predecessor to twin-handled pilgrim flasks, which became commonplace later in the 3rd and 4th centuries.
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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Roman Miniature Terracotta Oil Lamp with Theatre Mask
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Hollow-formed, no handle, but the rear bulging tubular part of the basin may have served as such; body in the shape of a comic theater mask with large open mouth; filling-hole on forehead, knit eyebrows with jolly expression and large open mouth functioning as a wick-hole; crown of foliage and fruits; flat raised oval base. 38 grams, 67 mm
From the collection of Mr W.A. Stewart, Director of School of Arts and Crafts, Cairo, 1919-1929. Acquired Christie's, London, Antiquities, Works of Art and Important Renaissance Bronzes, Plaquettes and Limoges Enamels, 8 July 1981, no.126 (part). From a private Wiltshire, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue page.
Lamps with figurines first appeared in the Hellenistic period, possibly originating in Athens, since the 2nd century B.C. Found in all parts of the Mediterranean basin, they were particularly popular during the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D. The Silenus face types were linked to the Bacchic cult. The crown of leaves and fruit across the forehead alludes to Bacchus or one of his followers. -
Roman Glass Flask with Everted Spout
4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Piriform in profile in aqua glass with broad flared neck; applied trails to the neck, dimple base; areas of iridescence. 38 grams, 98 mm
From a London, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The flask is a common Late Roman type, especially diffused in Syria and Palestine. Hayes suggested that examples with straight necks are relatively early in date, while those with necks having a bulge at the top and are narrow below were produced slightly later. -
Roman Pale Green Glass Jar
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
With applied disc base, flared neck and rounded rim. 62.53 grams, 98 mm
Acquired Christie's, London, Antiquities, Works of Art and Important Renaissance Bronzes, Plaquettes and Limoges Enamels, 8 July 1981, no.12 (part). From a private Wiltshire, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.
