Roman Lead Gaming Dice

Sub-rectangular panel fragment made from mosaic-type glass in shades of green and cream; one polished face, edge chipped; mounted on a custom-made stand. 460 grams total, glass: 11.9 cm



with old 19th-century label ‘240’ to the reverse. Dr Jutaro Kawabe, Nagoya, Japan, assembled during the 1960s-1980s. with Hoshigaoka Gallery until the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13094-248079.

The decoration is well documented in the Eastern Roman Empire, especially the Syro-Palestinian coast. The most frequently occurring colours in these glass mosaics are opaque red, but green and blue tints are not uncommon.

Tongue-shaped with central repoussé motif of Hercules standing nude on a plinth supporting his club and with lionskin mantle draped over his bent forearm; rectangular frame surrounding; traces of similar frames to both sides; six holes for attachment. 30 grams, 99 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

The panel has clearly been cut from a larger sheet of silver which was stamped with low-relief figures: to the left of Hercules is a frame with fronds at the top and the bent arms of a figure wearing a palla.

Mould-blown, comprising a flat-based tubular body and short neck with returned flange rim. 69 grams, 14.4 cm



From an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s.