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LOT 0137
Roman Marbled Blue Glass Toilet Bottle
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (19.7 grams, 83 mm).
An iridescent unguentarium with piriform body, tubular neck with everted rolled rim.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market in 2001.
LiteratureCf. Whitehouse, D., Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, vol.1, New York, 1997, item 213, for type.
FootnotesThis typology was produced mainly in Egypt (Karanis class XIII.B). They were characteristic of the Eastern Mediterranean as well, and characterised by the irregular curved depression on the underside of the base and by the narrow cylindrical neck with slight constriction at the bottom.
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 0137
Roman Marbled Blue Glass Toilet Bottle
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Roman Black Glass Juglet Pendant
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Modelled as a miniature juglet with a bulbous body and a strap handle, pierced longitudinally. 5.56 grams, 21 mm
Ex the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s-2000s. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance. -
Roman Iron Military Ring with Carnelian Horse Head Gemstone
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
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Lentoid-section hoop with discoid bezel, inset carnelian cloison with incuse profile horsehead with bridle. 3.30 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 16.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A108. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current 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.
