Roman Terracotta Wine Flagon

With delicately modelled youthful features, thick hair framing the face adorned with a laurel-wreath secured at the rear, traces of silvering to the eyes; ledge base; possibly Apollo the sun-god, or a lar (guardian spirit). 31 grams, 32 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 use of domestic gods continued in the Roman Empire also in later times. Of particular interest is a group of sculptures discovered in the Theodosian Palace in Stobi. The finds consist of marble and bronze statuettes and reliefs that were deposited in one of the ornamental basins located in the peristyle. Four of the smaller bronze sculptures— a lar, Apollo, Venus, and a satyr— may have formed the contents of a lararium. The palace was in use until the 5th century A.D., but the sculptures consists of heirloom and reused pieces dated at 2nd-1st century B.C. However, an unusual feature of this bronze assemblage is the fact that they date overwhelmingly to the 3rd century A.D.

Comprising two arrowheads with foliate head and square-sectioned tang and three awls. 45 grams total, 3.6-10.8 cm



Acquired prior to 2000. Ex private collection, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The two arrowheads are similar to specimens found in Luristan. They belong to the type V of the Khorasani classification. The bow was widely used by the Luristan people. The shape of the blade is often flat or ovate in the cross section with lanceolate profile and two cutting edges.

From a relief with hair centre-parted and drawn back from the face, gathered at the nape in a chignon; rounded face with soft features, drilled eyes and nostrils; mounted on a custom-made stand. 523 grams total, 78 mm high (12.7 cm high including stand)



London art market, 2000s. Property of a London gentleman.