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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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Roman Bronze Brooch Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Comprising: a bird-in-flight with incised annulets and X-motifs to the body, accompanied by a typed ticket 'Roman bronze brooch of bird in flight, beautifully incised decoration, iron pin intact, 2nd century AD, authenticated by British Museum, 30/5/2006'; a penannular brooch with clubbed terminals; a bow brooch with carinated bow. 31 grams total, 31-63 mm
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman. -
Eastern Roman Mosaic Depicting a Bird
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
In a rectangular matrix; cream, olive, pink and other tesserae depicting a bird advancing with head bowed, with banded frame. 10.35 kg, 40.3 x 40.3 cm
Former collection of Mr Pierre Bart (1889-1964), official of the French mandate in Syria and Lebanon (1919-1936) and delegate to the Lebanese government until 1946. Transmitted by descent. -
Roman Silver Ring with Inscription to the Sides
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
With a keeled hoop having a Greek inscription to both sides beneath the bezel; expanding shoulders with triangular panels engraved with palmettes; tiered bezel, the lower level with incised Greek key design to the short edges, the second level with a zig-zag pattern around the perimeter, the round top part with an incised bird motif. 10.38 grams, 27.41 mm overall, 17.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Ex London art market, 1990s.
