Roman Translucent Unguentarium

A bronze pentagonal mount with scooped edges, four piercings to accept fixing rivets, hatched band enclosing an incuse Chi Rho christogram. 25.9 grams, 55 mm



Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.

A bronze figure of Silenus standing nude with vine-leaf wreath on the brow, muscular physique, dressed beard and stern facial expression, holding a bunch of grapes in the left hand; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 104 grams, 65 mm high (127 grams total, 71 mm high including stand)



Private Swiss collection, acquired 2001. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11621-199008.

Silenus was closely associated with the Dionysian cult. He was a deity associated with the forest, wine, drunkenness, the treading-dance of the wine press an orgiastic ritual. Whilst intoxicated, Silenus was belied to possess the power of prophecy. He helped raise the god Dionysus, son of Zeus, after he was entrusted to him by Hermes. Once, whilst travelling with Dionysus through Phrygia, Silenus was captured by king Midas who treated his captive hospitably. As a reward, Dionysus granted the king his famous 'golden touch'. The sacred animal of Silenus is the donkey, the mode of transport he often used according to Greek mythology.

A Roman or Parthian bone figurine of a female with separate articulated bent arms, piled hairstyle, incised facial features, tiered collar, slender body with lattice detailing to the skirt; bronze stud to the shoulders, wire loop earrings with tubular blue glass beads, gold arm-rings; mounted on a custom-made stand. 355 grams total, 21.5 cm including stand

Fine condition.

Previously acquired in 1971. with Gallery Delalande, Paris, France. Property of a Brussels gentleman.