Roman Translucent Glass Jar with Gallery

The bowl with a wide flat bottom and convex sides; the inside with incised concentric circles; flat handle with raised edges and hooked finial for suspension. 483 grams, 39.5 cm



German private collection, Mr O., collecting in the 1950s-1960s; thence by descent. with Bonhams, London, 7 July 2016, lot 191. 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.11735-201189.

This vessel was part of Roman and provincial bronze instrumentum domesticum, i.e. culinary or domestic utility ware. Such cooking vessels are rare: some are found in central and northern Italy, in Pannonia, Germany and in Britain. The Aylesford Pan, today in the British Museum (inventory no.1886.1112.1), is one of the most important finds. This specimen (Eggers type 130), probably pre-Caesarian or Caesarian, was found in a grave together with a Celtic bucket and a jug.

Bust of Oceanus in high-relief, hollow to the reverse, with flowing hair and beard, large lentoid eyes and broad nose, with crab/lobster claws emerging from his locks; mounted on a custom-made stand. 68.2 grams total, 83 mm including stand



Identified by the British Museum as depicting Oceanus on 8th January 1996. 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. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum letter dated 8th January 1996.

With round-section hoop, ellipsoid bezel, intaglio representing a Parthian trader with a child seated. 4.26 grams, 22.90 mm overall, 19.01 x 18.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.