Loading, please wait...
LOT 0739
Roman Opaque White Glass Unguentarium
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (10.4 grams, 41 mm).
Squat in profile with tall, trumpet-style neck and everted rim.
ProvenanceFrom a specialist collection of glass, acquired from dealerships during the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. The British Museum, museum number 1953,0825.23, for similar.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0739
Roman Opaque White Glass Unguentarium
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£67 (EUR 77; USD 90) +BP*
-
Roman Bronze Brooch Group
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising a dolphin brooch with a decorative wave motif, and a bow brooch with a flaring foot. 29.4 grams total, 35-55 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Double Horse Brooch
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Formed with two curving horse heads at each end, the legs forming the catchplate and pin lug. 10.4 grams, 40 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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. 35.5 grams total, 16-21 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.
