FIVE ROMAN MINIATURE GLASS VESSELS

CIRCA 1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.

Details

FIVE ROMAN MINIATURE GLASS VESSELS
CIRCA 1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
Comprising a core-formed juglet pendant of opaque red, with applied blue rim, handle, foot and zig-zag cage; a core-formed juglet pendant of dark green with a single handle and opaque white zig-zag; an oinochoe of amber glass, with a green and opaque white handle; a bottle free-blown from a cane of opaque white with brown, forming a marbled pattern; and a cobalt blue bottle
1 in. (3.1 cm) high max.

Provenance

G. Sangiorgi collection, formed late 19th-early 20th century; and thence by descent.
Ancient Glass formerly in the G. Sangiorgi collection; Christie's, New York, 3 June 1999, lot 125.

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Lot Essay

Core-formed juglet pendants (items one and two) date to the 4th Century A.D. and are thought to have originated in the Holy Land. Their use is contested; it has been suggested they were tomb offerings, considered to have a magical-amuletic function, or simply used as miniature scent bottles that were worn on the body. See Spaer, 2001, p. 171ff.

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