Roman Green Glass Flask

Formed as a seated elderly woman with a short neck and handle with deep decorative ridges, stylised detailing to the face and hair tied in a bun, wine-jug (lagynos) gripped in her arms and between her knees, detailing to folds of garments; her pierced ears were likely once adorned with earrings. 345 grams, 17 cm



Acquired 1980s. Ex B Lee North collection. Accompanied by a positive thermoluminescence analysis report, sample no.N122e54 from Oxford Authentication. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.11312-188595.

The motif of an old, drunken woman corresponds to a well-known Hellenistic repertoire. These jugs were produced in Africa and were widespread within the Empire. Recent analysis carried out on a North African bottle of the drink ‘anus’, found in an exceptional state of preservation in Valencia, concluded that the vessel contained a resin from the Pinocea family intended to waterproof the vessel, which probably contained vegetable oil.

Finial from a handle formed as a bust of Minerva wearing a crested helmet and a palla with crossed straps; attachment tab below. 24.6 grams, 47 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Oxfordshire, UK. Private collection, Kent, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.OXON-E24016.

Comprising a squat conical body with a dimple at the base, long tubular neck with everted rolled rim. 28 grams, 15.9 cm



From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s.