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LOT 0832
Roman Iridescent Green Glass Double Balsamarium
CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.
5 in. (46.5 grams, 12.6 cm).
Twin-handled, rounded bottom with trailing around body. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired from Shirley Warren Antique Glass, Surrey, UK, in 1993 with reference no.SW.
From the collection of a Bedfordshire, UK, lady.
Accompanied by an original Shirley Warren invoice no.2347 dated 27 March 1993 (£180.00).
Cf. for a similar example Filarska, B., Szkla Starozytne (Ancient Glass), vol.II, Warszawa, 1972, II, cat.179, pl.XXXIX,4.
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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LOT 0832
Roman Iridescent Green Glass Double Balsamarium
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
-
Late Roman Pale Green Glass Bottle
Circa 3rd-5th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Rectangular body with raised rib on each side, short tubular neck with an everted rim. 44.75 grams, 98 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Red Ware Bowl
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £5
Broad and squat in profile with inturned rim and external carination. 410 grams, 16.7 cm wide
From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 30.9 grams total, 12-20 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.
