Roman Terracotta Wine Jug

Comprising a shallow bowl fitted with handles and raised foot, the rim engraved with petals. 39 grams, 95 mm wide



From a North Yorkshire, UK, private collection. Acquired from Adam Partridge Auctioneers, Macclesfield, UK. Property of Mr A.B., an American collector.

In regards of the shape, Roman silver vessels usually fall into three classes: (1) vessels for eating; (2) vessels for drinking; (3) jugs and saucepans (trullae). The first class includes flat, circular dishes (lances), often of considerable size; the situlae or buckets, and the bowls with projecting rims (our specimen) of various dimensions. The form of the present bowl (probably used for spices, like pepper [piperatoria]) occurs all over the Mediterranean basin, and is Alexandrian in origin.

Semi-circular with raised and slightly everted edge, the top with a recessed area with a funnel-shaped outlet; for votive offerings within a church; restored. 84.5 kg including backplate, 91 cm wide

In general good condition, re-assembled.

Acquired in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Ex David Read 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.12080-214035.

Marble tables such as the present example are called in archaeological terms sigma tables, in consideration of their resemblance to the Greek letter sigma. Sigma-shaped tables appeared in the banquet halls at the end of the 4th century and within Christian buildings from the following century. Most of the undecorated slabs were used as liturgical table tops for feasts to honour the deceased. This commemorative practice was known throughout the late Roman world in west and east, where it continued in the daily life of the citizens of the Eastern Roman Empire. In ecclesiastical settings, circular and sigma-shaped tables were used to collect offerings or for celebrating the agape, more generally as secondary furniture, while the rectangular form was preferred for use as an altar.

Comprising three edge fragments: one with a centaur carrying away a woman, amphora below; one showing a butting goat defending itself against a large hound; one showing a profile head of a bearded man with a staff and bag, possibly the god Mercury, a leaping hound before him. 53.1 grams total, 50-97 mm



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