Roman Sidonian Mould-Blown Glass Flask in the Shape of a Date

From a colossal relief, depicting a life-size head of a goddess or an Amazon with a smooth reverse; pronounced lips and wide brow; the hair arranged in waves leaving the ears partially uncovered, secured with a taenia; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 11.9 kg total, 32 cm including stand



From an English private collection, 1970s-late 1990s. English private 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.12163-218598

The style is akin to the sculptures of the Severan Age with a naturalistic treatment of the hair, and a more restrained use of the drill. The sculpture displays the same characteristic oval broad face with fleshy round cheeks, widely arched brow and big eyes of the portraits of Julia Domna. The alternative identification of the head as an Amazon can be deduced from the taenia and the details of the tear ducts, linked to a possible representation of a combat scene in which an Amazon suffers in agony after receiving mortal wounds.

With inset jasper gemstone, intaglio profile bust of Minerva (Greek Athena) wearing a crested helmet. 3.39 grams, 21.07 mm overall, 17.61 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



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

Group of two rings each with angled ward and bits to the forward edge. 22.94 grams total, 31-34 mm



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.