Roman Green Glass Bead Necklace String

Modelled in the round as a belted torso and legs with tiered tasselled robes and bare feet. 128 grams, 10 cm



UK art market, 1981. Private collection, London, UK.

Adonis was the offspring of an incestuous union between Smyrna and Cinyras. As an infant, he was given by Venus (Aphrodite) to Persephone for protection, but later became an object of desire for both, resulting in a decision by Zeus that he would spend four months with Persephone, four months with Venus and four months with whomever he wished. According to mythological traditions, Adonis was killed by a wild boar during a hunt - either sent by Artemis, or Ares in disguise. Aphrodite pleaded for Adonis' life with Zeus, who allowed the youth to spend half of each year with her and half in the underworld.

With dimpled base, flared neck and carinated flange below the mouth, rounded rim. 102 grams, 12.9 cm



From an important London collection of glass, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The vessel's shape is a simplified version of a cup decorated with a zigzag line. This is characteristic of Palestinian workshops. Two similar vessels, similar to this one, have been found in Palestine: one in Beit Fajjar, dating to the late 3rd-4th century CE, the other in an unidentified location.

Piriform with rounded rim and underside, applied white glass trail in spiral from shoulder to base. 38.2 grams, 95 mm



Acquired Christie's, London, Antiquities, Works of Art and Important Renaissance Bronzes, Plaquettes and Limoges Enamels, 8 July 1981, no.5 (illus). From a private Wiltshire, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.