Roman Golden Amber Glass Unguentarium

Large hollow-formed hoop with inset intaglio of Jupiter in bone, standing robed carrying a staff, dog at this side. 9.99 grams, 33.21 mm overall, 22.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)



Acquired on the French art market in the 1990s. Rogers collection, Suffolk, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11860-207248.

The oval intaglio showing Serapis holding a sceptre and wearing a modius upon his head; Isis, wearing a feather(?) headdress and holding a sistrum. 2.51 grams, 18 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

Serapis was known to the Greek and Roman world already in the 3rd century B.C. in Alexandria, where Ptolemy I built a serapeum in honour of the god. The name of the god is considered to be composed from the names Osiris and Apis bull and means 'Osiris the bull' since after his death he became the ruler of the outer world, while it was also believed that Osiris lived in the world through Apis. Isis, his spouse, was worshipped in the Roman Empire as a powerful divinity, mother of the gods.

Comprising decorative strap ends; clothes fittings; mounts; inscribed weights, pendants; buttons, pins; masks; figural busts; together with other miscellaneous items. 455 grams total, 9-76 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.