Roman Pale-Blue Glass Handled Unguentarium with Trail

Each a cube with incised annulets disposed 1:6, 2:4, 3:5. 1.66 grams total, 7 mm each



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Formed as a seated elderly woman with a short neck and handle with deep decorative ridges, stylised detailing to the face and hair tied in a bun, wine-jug (lagynos) gripped in her arms and between her knees, detailing to folds of garments; her pierced ears were likely once adorned with earrings. 345 grams, 17 cm



Acquired 1980s. Ex B Lee North collection. Accompanied by a positive thermoluminescence analysis report, sample no.N122e54 from Oxford Authentication. 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 a search certificate no.11312-188595.

The motif of an old, drunken woman corresponds to a well-known Hellenistic repertoire. These jugs were produced in Africa and were widespread within the Empire. Recent analysis carried out on a North African bottle of the drink ‘anus’, found in an exceptional state of preservation in Valencia, concluded that the vessel contained a resin from the Pinocea family intended to waterproof the vessel, which probably contained vegetable oil.

Substantial D-section hoop set with a red jasper intaglio with a gryllos motif; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.06 grams, 27.29 mm overall, 20.24 x 16.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



From an old English collection, Camden, London, UK.

Grylli motifs usually combine various human and animal heads, sometimes including animal legs.