Roman Tall Glass Flask

A restrung necklace comprising carinated carnelian beads interspersed with sheet-gold beads of plain and granulated types, two tapering round-section beads with collars and domed finials, a central gold polygonal pendant with eight concave sides, polished oval garnet cabochon at the centre, granulated collar around base, raised tear-shaped cell to each corner also with granulated border, alternately set with enamel and garnet cabochons, a single applied bead between each; modern hook-and-eye clasp. 39.16 grams, 53 cm



Acquired in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13124-246808.

Tall thin translucent pale green vessel with wide foot and dimpled base, tapering stem and flared rim. 27.6 grams, 12.5 cm



From a London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Similar bottles were produced in Roman Cyprus. Hayes had divided the Cypriot products into three classes on the basis of the character of the glass. This example belongs to the third class, i.e. ‘very thin-walled pieces in a pale fabric, almost colourless in parts’.

Of piriform shape with everted rim, gently chamfered upper lip and concave underside; lid with bevelled rim, gently dished upper face rising to a central dome and cylindrical handle with piecrust pleats; iridescent surfaces. 823 grams total, 29.5 cm high



Ex Sangiorgi collection, acquired in the 19th century. with Christie's, 3 June 1999, no.121. The remains of a 19th-early 20th-century label can be seen on the glass on one side. with Christie's, New York, 9 December 1999, no.476. American private collection, Westchester, New York, acquired in 1999. with Bonhams, London, 30 September 2015, no.91. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13132-248966.

A similar jar in the British Museum was found in Warwick Square, London, inside a lead canister, and was originally filled with bone ashes. The Romans often reused glass jars, originally made for storing liquids and foodstuffs, as cremation vessels, but this kind of jar seems too fragile and was therefore probably purpose-made. The lead canister, which was found with the jar from London, protected the glass and bones. Georgio Sangiorgi is one of the most famous names associated with the field of ancient glass collecting. Working from the Galleria Sangiorgi in the Palazzo Borghese, Sangiorgi acquired the most magnificent collection of ancient glass, seeking only the finest examples.