Roman Terracotta Jar

The goddess standing, wearing an Ionic chiton and himation secured by a characteristic knot tied between her breasts, the folds cascading to the floor; her left hand modelled open and held above her breast; her centre-parted wavy locks fastened with a band, pulled back in a chignon at the nape of her neck and surmounted by a hair-comb; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 280 grams total, 13.3 cm including stand



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.

Statuettes of Fortuna, the goddess of chance, were evidently popular during the Roman Imperial times judging by the large number that have been found, and with the advent of the cult of Isis within the Roman Empire, the two divinities were identified as a single goddess.

Cuboid and rectangular types with impressed point markings irregularly disposed 1:4, 3:6, 3:5; 1:2, 3:5, 4:6; 2:2, 5:5, 3:6. 79 grams total, 14-17 mm



From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.27.

Domed in profile with concentric stepped tiers and hatched fur texture, central lion-mask with lateral piercings for the muzzle, slightly flared rim; lead plug to interior. 168 grams, 55 mm



Found Wiltshire, UK, before 1974.