Roman Green Glass Bottle

Decorated with a high-relief pattern comprising sphinxes, dolphins and masks of Medusa in fields between columns; ropework and floral border strips with laurel leaves. 6.4 kg, 41 cm wide



From a West Sussex, UK, collection, 1990s.

There were many ways of burying bodies during the Roman Empire. Although the majority were buried without coffins, there is evidence for wooden coffins, lead-framed wooden coffins, tile burials and lead and stone coffins. This item belongs to types widespread in the Eastern Mediterranean. The panel is decorated with a columned structure, and within each section are symbols of the outer-world, including gorgons, sphinx and dolphins. The sphinx, having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion, and wings of a bird, was generally associated with protecting imperial tombs and temples. The roundels featuring the head of Medusa, known for her potent gazes that could turn one to stone, was favoured on sarcophagi and architectural ornaments because it was believed that her image would protect those within. The dolphin was considered to ferry the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Very often these sarcophagi were connected by a pipe to the ground above so that mourners could pour in offerings into the grave.

Comprising a conical body with granulated collars to the lower end and centre, red and green glass bead above. 1.44 grams, 32 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.

With narrow shank and carinated ellipsoid bezel, inset carnelian intaglio of an agricola farm-worker harvesting wheat. 6.21 grams, 27.78 mm overall, 19.08 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.