Roman 'Midlands' Samian Ware Bowl Fragment

Comprising the bust of Antinous or Bacchus (Greek Dionysus); the head modelled in the round, hair with voluminous waves, semi-naturalistic facial features, muscular neck and chest, two loops at the sides for the handle, silver inlaid eyes restored with black glass pupils. 300 grams, 10 cm



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an EU collection before 2020.

The balsamarium (ointment or balsam container), is a modern term reflecting the Roman use of relatively small vessels as containers for aromatic oils, or storing and dispensing cosmetic liquids and/or scented powdered substances. These vessels were produced in the first three centuries of the Roman Empire in a variety of forms, including busts and animal shapes. The present balsamarium testifies to the power of imperial imagery and its dissemination across the empire, as the vessel portrays Antinous, Emperor Hadrian's ‘favourite’, whose untimely death in a boating accident led to his deification. The general facial characteristics of our figure are consistent with the stylistic portrait features of late antiquity and the personal features of Antinous, here appearing with large almond-shaped eyes, set into slightly upturned, incised pupils.

Loop-in-loop chain, each link formed from two strands of thick gold wire; thick hook with the end coiled about the shank; eye with ribbed detailing and coiled end; housed in a custom-made display case. 28.15 grams, 46.5 cm long

Excellent condition

Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11937-210478.

Among the necklaces manufactured from gold mesh (hormoi or chains), there are two recognisable fundamental types: the first, shorter and with endings suitable for being fixed on fabric, was used to adorn clothes, hooked at shoulder height. The second type (like our specimen) was worn around the neck and was generally fitted with a simple hook-and-eyelet closure.

With an emerald green cylindrical bead, conical gold collar beneath the suspension loop. 0.38 grams, 14 mm high



Property of a UK gentleman, acquired in the 1970s. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an old identification ticket.