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LOT 0675
Roman Turquoise Glass Pyxis
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (42 grams, 85 mm high).
A vibrant green-blue glass pyxis with a broadly barrel-shaped body, everted foot and shoulder, domed inverted neck; areas of iridescence; repaired.
ProvenanceAcquired early 1990s.
Ex private American collection; thence by descent.
Private collection since 1998.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 2000.5a, b, for a bone pyxis of similar form, dated 1st century A.D; see accession numbers 17.194.238a, b and 25.78.118a, b, for examples of a different form made from glass.
FootnotesOriginally used principally by women to hold cosmetics, jewellery or even poisonous substances, some pyxides have even been identified as ink pots. Most surviving examples are Green terracotta examples.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0675
Roman Turquoise Glass Pyxis
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
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Roman Auriga in Quadriga Redware Sherd
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A redware ceramic fragment with moulded low-relief decoration of a victorious Auriga (chariot-driver) standing in his chariot with four rearing horses yoked to it; geometric detail to his tunic, a frond in his bent left arm and a whip in his raised right hand; incised bilinear lettering '-TA' to the left and 'PV- / TO[V?]-' to the right in Greek letters; modern mounting loop to the reverse. 74 grams, 90 mm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
The pottery fragment shows an image of a charioteer in the moment of victory, with his left hand carrying a palm branch. The iconography is visible in the monument of Porphyrios in Constantinople and the charioteers of the Baccano mosaics. The detailed representation of the Auriga shows the attributes of his work: he wears a close-fitting undershirt with sleeves (γυμναστικiον) and an ornamented sleeveless tunic over it, leaving the knees exposed as is typical for charioteers (αυριγαριον). -
Roman Terracotta Sigillata Bowl
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
A terra sigillata bowl with rounded base and everted rim, base exterior decorated with a raised stylised floral motif composed of a large flower head with leaf-like petals and a second smaller flower head to centre. 189 grams, 12.5 cm wide
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. -
Roman Marble Hand Holding Rope
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
A marble left hand modelled in the round gripping a sinuous object, likely a rope; semi-naturalistic detailing to the nails and palm. 738 grams, 12 cm
New York art market, 1992.
