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LOT 0769
Roman Glass Vial
3RD CENTURY A.D.
5 1/2 in. (42 grams, 14 cm).
Wide domed body with flat base, tall narrow piriform neck and splayed rim.
ProvenanceEx London, UK, collection, 1980-1990s.
LiteratureCf. Filarska, B., Szkla Starozytne (Ancient Glass) II vol., Warszawa, 1972, II, cat.261, pl.XLVI,5, for similar vessel.
FootnotesThe lachrymatous (or lacrimal vase or unguentarium) was a vial of glass that contained ointments or perfumes. These small vessels, often found in Roman tombs, were formerly supposed to have been bottles into which mourners dropped their tears. Instead they contained perfume and unguents, and the large quantity of vessels found in tombs is due to the use of unguents at funeral ceremonies.
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 Bronze Lamp with Theatrical Mask
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Nozzle with quasi-volutes, theatrical mask surrounding the central opening; ring-handle with palmette attachment; base moulded. 220 grams, 13.3 cm
Acquired from Weber, Kohl. Ex private collection, Rhemish, Germany. with Gorny & Mosch, 14 December 2010, lot 499. 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.11800-206492.
The principal parts of a lamp were the body or reservoir which contained the oil (infundibulum); the flat circular top (discus) on which the design, if any, was placed, sometimes with an ornamented rim (margo), the nozzle, with a hole for the insertion of the wick (rostrum, nasus, myxus), the wick, known as ellydinium, the handle (ansa, manubrium). -
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Roman Agate Cameo of Augustus in Later Mounting
1st century A.D.Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £15,000
Ellipsoid cameo with profile portrait bust in gold pendant frame with surrounding cabochons: emerald, sapphire, ruby - and clusters of pearls; marked to reverse '750', in a rectangle 'B&G' (believed to be an upstate New York jeweller's stamp) and an indeterminate third mark; supplied with a custom-made display stand. 99 grams total, 92 mm including stand, pendant: 50 mm
American collection, early 20th century, New York. with Robert Haber Gallery, New York, 1990. Ex Jean Clostre, Geneva, Switzerland. Accompanied by an scholarly report by Dr Ittai Gradel. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12223-222312.
Dr Ittai Gradel says: 'The cameo, of exquisite technical quality, has a close parallel in the Cabinet des médailles, Paris .. The Timeline auction cameo is not, however, an exact copy .. though details are so close to the larger Paris cameo that the same gem carver, or at least workshop, probably produced both.' -
Roman Child's Coiled Bronze Snake Bracelet
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Round-section rod with tapered ends, one reversed and with a loop finial. 23 grams, 41 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
