Roman Short Blue Glass Flask

Hollow-formed, no handle, but the rear bulging tubular part of the basin may have served as such; body in the shape of a comic theater mask with large open mouth; filling-hole on forehead, knit eyebrows with jolly expression and large open mouth functioning as a wick-hole; crown of foliage and fruits; flat raised oval base. 38 grams, 67 mm



From the collection of Mr W.A. Stewart, Director of School of Arts and Crafts, Cairo, 1919-1929. Acquired Christie's, London, Antiquities, Works of Art and Important Renaissance Bronzes, Plaquettes and Limoges Enamels, 8 July 1981, no.126 (part). From a private Wiltshire, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue page.

Lamps with figurines first appeared in the Hellenistic period, possibly originating in Athens, since the 2nd century B.C. Found in all parts of the Mediterranean basin, they were particularly popular during the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D. The Silenus face types were linked to the Bacchic cult. The crown of leaves and fruit across the forehead alludes to Bacchus or one of his followers.

A round-section hoop expanding to broad shoulders, flat plaque with inset carnelian cloison, intaglio image of Apollo (Sol), cloaked, advancing with a patera in each hand. 4.53 grams, 22.48 mm overall, 17.58 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



From an important collection of jewellery formed over 40 years by a German collector.

Comprising a low conical body and slightly convex wall, dimple base; tall cylindrical neck flaring to mouth with inward-folded rim; slightly iridescent surface. 58 grams, 17.5 cm



From an important London collection of glass, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

This kind of toilet bottle was called ‘candlestick unguentarium’ by the academics due to the shape of its neck. They are especially found in Roman Egypt (Karanis class XIII.A.I.).