Roman Mixed Glass Necklace Bead Group

Bulbous with flat base, tall stem neck, splayed rim with an in-folded lip. 46 grams, 12.7 cm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

During the early Roman period the glass-making techniques used by the Greeks were continued. Much of the glass was buried and as a result acquired an attractive lustrous patination. Roman glass became a medium for the promotion of the emperor and imperial propaganda, as well as having utilitarian purposes. Glass blowing, a new technique, meant that quantities of identical bottles could be produced.

Group of three gold pendants comprising: two formed as a cluster of granules with three lobes, larger granule to each apex and coiled wire suspension; one of similar profile, larger with filigree lines and coils to both faces, trumpet-shaped finial with loop; repaired; housed in a custom-made display case. 8.83 grams total, 24-32 mm



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 number no.11934-210479.

Typologically related earrings were particularly common in the Caucasus, where they have been dated by archaeologists to the first centuries A.D. This was a product of Hellenised workers of the area of Pontus or Asia Minor, mainly, and the material culture of the Greek cities of the North Pontus region was completely absorbed by their new Roman rulers and largely diffused in style and orientation in the Eastern Roman provinces.

Comprising mainly melon-shaped beads, one collared bead, including some Hebron glass. 101 grams total, 10-20 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.