Roman Iridescent Glass Cup with Trail

With dimpled base, bulbous body with opposed dimples to the sidewall, applied flange to the neck, applied trails forming lateral handles. 39.4 grams, 78 mm wide



From an important London collection of glass, 1990s.

These biconical jars with opposed handles, rounded lips and overhanging tubular flanges are typical of the late Roman period. There are Syro-Palestinian types, with similar examples having been found in Beit Fajjar, West Bank, Palestine.

Sub-rectangular panel fragment made from mosaic-type glass in shades of green and cream; one polished face, edge chipped; mounted on a custom-made stand. 460 grams total, glass: 11.9 cm



with old 19th-century label ‘240’ to the reverse. Dr Jutaro Kawabe, Nagoya, Japan, assembled during the 1960s-1980s. with Hoshigaoka Gallery until the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13094-248079.

The decoration is well documented in the Eastern Roman Empire, especially the Syro-Palestinian coast. The most frequently occurring colours in these glass mosaics are opaque red, but green and blue tints are not uncommon.

including archer's thumb ring, reserved saltire and other types. 67 grams total, 23-26 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.