Roman Green Glass Cotton Reel Type Unguentarium

Two adjoining parts of an inked wooden tablet, comprising 13 lines of text to the recessed upper face with two piercings to the lower edge; the reverse with an inked inscription reading 'TESTAMENTVUM / POMPONIMAXIMI' (the will of Pomponius Maximus); the 13 lines of inked cursive text following the grain of the wood, the text containing instructions from a will concerning the inheritance of fields on the Mustulo estate (fundus Mustulo), to a Iulius Dancharrus (son of the testator); a field with eight fig-trees, bought from a Iulius Castricius, and several sheep to 'my beloved daughter Zabullania'. 64 grams total, 19.5-20 cm wide



From an important London collection since 1975. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 200269.

The text is written in a very formulaic language typical of Roman legal-documents (among other things, familia testamenti faciundi erga emit Iul. Maianus: the entire possessions, in order to make a will, was bought by Iul. Maianus).

The trio formed with semi-naturalistic detailing to the nail beds; hollow-formed; including larger-than-life examples. 210 grams total, 45-73 mm



Acquired on the EU art market around 2000. From the collection of a North American gentleman.

Formed as a square base with gusseted profile, a lion cub crouching on the upper face with one forepaw raised; open to the rear and underside; statuette or fitting. 108 grams, 53 mm



Acquired in the 1990s. Collection of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman.