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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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Opening Bid: £100
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British Roman Military Bronze Trumpet-Whorl Plate Brooch
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
With openwork sub-triangular body made up of three curved trumpets motifs; to the reverse the double pin lug supporting the hinged copper alloy pin, and, at the opposite end is a flat longitudinal catch plate. 7.19 grams, 35 mm
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Roman Silver Swan-Neck Spoon
4th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
With scroll and swan-neck junction of bowl with stem; the flat-section stem narrowing to a point and returned to meet the shank. 22.1 grams, 10.9 cm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.