A PAIR OF ROMAN PARCEL GILT SILVER CUPS

CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.

Details

A PAIR OF ROMAN PARCEL GILT SILVER CUPS
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
Each hemispherical in form, on a thin flaring foot, a lathe-turned groove on the interior of the foot and concentric circles on the base, the rim slightly turned in, the exterior with a band of undulating ribbon, a gilt band, and a band of over-lapping ivy leaf framed by beading
Each: 4 in. (10.2 cm.) diameter; 2 in. (5.1 cm.) high
Each: 133.0 g (2)

Provenance

Geneva Private Collection, 1980s.
Swiss Art Market.
Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 13 December 1995, lot 161 (one).

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Lot Essay

Wall-paintings in Pompeii and family inventories preserved on Egyptian papyrus indicate that several vessel types were often collected in multiples. According to Oliver (Silver for the Gods, 800 Years of Greek and Roman Silver, p. 121), "decorated drinking cups were made in pairs and plain cups, bowls, and plates in sets of four. ... the number four...seems to have been the standard and extended to glass-ware."

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