Loading, please wait...
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0675
Roman Turquoise Glass Pyxis
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Marble Head of a Goddess
Late 4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £416
A marble head of a lady or a goddess from a statuette, carved in the round with semi-naturalistic facial features and dressed hair with fillet; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 477 grams total, 12 cm high
London art market, 1988.
The head could represent a late Aphrodite, when compared with heads of the goddess of small late Roman statuettes. In these examples, like here, the goddess’ face is typical of idealised late-mythological statuary, with heavy eyelids, pronounced brow ridges, small lips and a soft jaw. -
Roman Gold Ring with Banded Glass
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
A hollow-formed gold finger ring with ellipsoid bezel, inset panel of banded iridescent glass. 1.18 grams, 18.29 mm overall, 15.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. -
Roman ROMA Plate Brooch
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
A bronze discoid plate brooch with openwork monogram of 'ROMA', hinged pin and catchplate to the reverse. 10.2 grams, 31 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The brooch is engraved with the stylised letters ‘RMA’. When viewed from the obverse, RMA and the framing circle form a monogram for ‘Roma’. Roma refers to both the city and its divine personification, the Dea Roma. If RMA is read from right to left (or the brooch is viewed from the opposite side), the letters form a monogram for ‘AMOR’, the Latin name for Cupid, the god of love. The phrase pertains to Roma-Amor, a widely recognised palindrome espousing Roman wordplay in the ancient times.
