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LOT 0680
Roman Haematite Magical Gemstone
2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.84 grams, 24 mm).
Ellipsoid in plan with chamfered rim to obverse with womb with key and roots; above womb the figures of Isis, Anubis, Chnoubis, and Nephthys (from left to right); reverse with facing Medusa mask with wings to the brow below a coiled snake, spiders and other items.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of magical objects of the late Mr A. Cotton, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12354-225280.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. similar item in Gordon, R., 'Archaeologies of Magical Gems' in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, pp.39-49, pl.5; see also BM inv.no.EA56076, for similar gemstone.
FootnotesDuring the Graeco-Roman period, the traditional genres of Egyptian or Near Eastern temple magic gems, particularly protective magic against demons, snakes and scorpions, seemed largely to have disappeared, and new genres became dominant, for different types of divination (direct visions of god, bowl divination, dream sending, Homer oracles), malign magic, aggressive (mainly erotic) magic, magic for personal success and attractiveness. This type of amulet was intended to aid childbirth and avoid illness and dangers for its attendant.
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Roman Glass Lachrymatory
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
With long, narrow neck separated from the body by a constriction; funicular mouth. 19 grams, 12.3 cm
Ex W.Kern, Zurich, 1950s-1970s (d.1980s). Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00086748. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
A lachrymatory (from Latin lacrima, tear) is a type of earthenware or, more commonly, glass container found in Roman and Greek tombs, thought to be bottles into which the relatives of the deceased had dropped their tears. They most likely contained ointments, and the discovery of so many of these containers (unguentaria) in tombs is due to the use of ointments in funeral ceremonies. These lachrymatories are usually shaped like a spindle or flask with a long neck and a bulb-shaped body. -
Roman Square Glass Jug
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Square in section with dimple base, flat shoulder and short neck, folded rim; broad strap handle to the rear; mould-blown. 188 grams, 16.2 cm
From a London, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Green Glass Jar
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With dimpled base, squat globular body with shallow dimple above the base, broad neck with gusseted rim. 80 grams, 92 mm
Ex London art market 1990s. From a London, UK, collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
