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LOT 0731
Roman Iridescent Green Glass Ampulla
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (23 grams, 11.6 cm high).
Featuring a bottle of a wide form, free blown from translucent glass of a soft turquoise hue, defined by a slightly concave base, a piriform body with a tapered shoulder, a lightly corseted neckline beneath a cylindrical neck, and a splayed rim with an in-folded lip.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Filarska, B., Szkla Starozytne (Ancient Glass) II vol., Warszawa, 1972, II, cat.84, pl.XVIII,1, for similar vessel.
FootnotesThe ampulla was a small round vessel, usually made of glass and used for sacred purposes. The word is used in archaeology, also for flasks that are often handle-less and much flatter. Materials include glass, ceramics and metal. The unguentarium was a term for a bottle believed to have been used to store perfume.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Late Roman Geometric Floor Mosaic
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,250
Comprising three full and one partial octagon, each with two concentric rhombuses distinguished by different shades of yellow, white and light red, each with a central red dot; the border above with a band of red triangles; mounted on a reinforced backing board. 59 kg, 151 cm wide including frame
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. 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 search certificate number no.11920-207410.
The use of abstract and geometric motifs characterises the mosaic art of the Levant under the domination of Byzantium. Close ties can be identified between these rhomboidal figures with those of some of the famous Lebanese mosaics of Beit el Dine, or the mosaics of Tiberias and Hammat, which represent the last expression of Roman art in that area before the Islamic conquest. -
Roman Yellow Glass Necklace Bead Group
1st century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £78
Comprising a group of mostly small beads, with some cylindrical and oblate forms, in a pale yellow glass; pierced for stringing. 27 grams total, 3-19 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s. -
Large Roman Bronze Military Mount
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
Composed of a central domed boss and openwork volutes to the sides; for a sword belt or a chariot. 69 grams, 14 cm wide
Good condition, very rare
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.