Loading, please wait...
LOT 0776
Roman Gold Amulet Case
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.78 grams, 14 mm).
Cylindrical body with domed finials with applied pellets, cornerless cube-shaped suspension loop with applied pellet and filigree annulets.
ProvenanceEx property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Wamser L. and Zahlhaas, G., Rom und Byzanz, Archaologischen Kostbarkeiten aus Bayern, München, 1999, figs.305-306, for similar.
FootnotesAssessing the typology and chronology of such amulet capsules is very difficult, and precise dating is usually impossible, especially since the context of the find is often unknown, as in this case. According to Schienerl, prismatic, usually hexagonal amulet capsules only appear in the 2nd or 3rd century, while the use of amulets in the Eastern Roman Empire ceased after the 7th century.
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 Bronze Key
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
With tubular shank and rectangular-section neck, crescentic bow; repaired. 37 grams, 73 mm
From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s. -
Roman Decorated Mould Blown Glass Amphoriskos
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Comprising a biconvex body with ellipsoid base, short neck with everted rim and strap handle; the body facetted, with concentric rings to the central panel on each side; mounted on a custom-made stand. 82 grams total, 95 mm including stand
From an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12960-246379.
The word amphoriskos, Greek for 'small amphora', refers in the Graeco-Roman world to the shape of the object, a miniature version of the two-handled metal or ceramic vessels that contained oil or wine. Core-formed glass was made by dipping a removable core that gives the vessel its shape into a molten glass mixture. -
Roman Glass Vessel
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With flattened discoid body and tall neck with flared mouth, applied rim. 20.5 grams, 10.6 cm
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.
Glass 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.
