Roman Pale Blue Glass Unguentarium

Right arm from a small statue of a female with long, slender fingers; socket to the upper end; the thumb and forefinger closed. 58 grams, 62 mm



Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.

Rectangular in profile with drilled spots disposed 1:2, 3:4, 5:6. 27 grams, 31 mm



From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK.

Modelled in the round, standing with right leg bent, right arm raised and left extended before the body; with thick tousled hair, exaggerated torc to the neck, jacket with incised vertical lines, tight-fitting trousers and ankle-boots. 53 grams total, 67 mm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The pose of the figure suggests that he is in the action of brandishing a weapon, or possibly holding the reins of a team of horses pulling a chariot. Caesar mentions the expert use of the war-chariot by the Britons (Conquest of Gaul, IV.33). The padded garment suggests a Celtic auxiliary in the Roman army.