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LOT 0854
Roman Iridescent Glass Vial
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (7.72 grams, 88 mm high).
Greenish-light blue glass, long and narrow body, splayed rim.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Filarska, B., Szkla Starozytne (Ancient Glass) II vol., Warszawa, 1972, II, cat.279, pl.XLVII,6, for similar vial.
FootnotesDuring the early Roman period the glass-making techniques used by the Greeks were continued. Much of the glass was buried and as a result acquired an attractive lustrous patination. Roman glass became a medium for the promotion of the emperor and imperial propaganda, as well as being used as containers for various uses. Glass blowing, a new technique, meant that quantities of identical bottles could be produced.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Votive Hand to God Sabazios
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Hollow-formed right hand from a statuette, with fingers splayed and flat palm, good anatomical detailing. 362 grams, 12.1 cm
Private collection 1990s. Ex London, UK, gallery.
The votive character of the hand could link it to the God Sabazios, often associated with a number of archaeological finds depicting a bronze, right hand in the benedictio latina gesture. The hand appears to have had ritual significance and may have been affixed to a sceptre (as the one carried by Sabazios on a slab, one from Philippopolis, nowadays Plovdiv in Bulgaria). The association with Sabazios is sometimes suggested in similar hands, by the presence of a snake embossed around the circumference of the hand, because the iconic image of the god or hero on horseback battling the chthonic serpent, appears on Celtic-Roman votive columns, and with the coming of Christianity it was easily adapted to the representations of Saint George fighting the Dragon. -
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Roman Decorated Votive Lead Mirror
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With ribbed handle, discoid plate with raised rib to one face, running scrolls to the other, lateral struts. 43 grams, 11 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Many examples of this category from the Danube region were found in female graves, where they possibly served as grave goods considered appropriate for their connection with general issues of fertility, good fortune, and beauty, or even as protective amulets. Since lead mirror frames have been found in this Roman province only in graves of women, it is probable that these miniature mirrors, fitted with a central glass, were expected to serve as ritual or magical tools to assist souls of dead women in the afterlife. -
Roman Bronze Snake-Headed Armilla Bracelet
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With a round-section body with pointillé decoration, finials formed as stylised snakeheads with chevrons above the head. 21 grams, 63 mm
UK private collection before 2000. On the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
