Lot 130
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An alchemy of glass and metal unfolds in this intimate Roman cosmetic group, where translucence meets utilitarian heft and daily ritual leaves its trace. The lot comprises two Roman glass jars formed in pale aqua glass, each with a rounded globular body and short cylindrical neck. Their surfaces shimmer with silvery and rainbow iridescence, a luminous skin developed over centuries that lends the vessels a soft, prismatic glow. These jars were likely intended for unguents, oils, or perfumes, staples of Roman grooming and personal presentation. Their scale suggests private use, objects meant to be held in the palm and returned to a household shelf or traveling kit. Size of largest: 5.3" L x 1.6" Diameter (13.5 cm x 4.1 cm); custom case: 8.5" L x 7.5" W x 2" H (21.6 cm x 19 cm x 5.1 cm)
Accompanying the glass is a Roman applicator crafted from a leaded copper alloy, slender and rod-like, with subtle thickening at the terminal ends. Such implements are closely associated with cosmetic, medicinal, or toiletry practices, used to stir, apply, or draw substances from narrow-mouthed vessels. The relationship between tool and container is eloquent and purposeful - a cohesive working group rather than a chance assembly. Together, these objects offer a glimpse into Roman life at its most human scale. Far from the pageantry of empire, they speak to habits of care, scent, and appearance, reminding us that even in antiquity, beauty rituals were practical, personal, and enduring.
Provenance: private Wilmington, Delaware, USA collection; ex-Tel Aviv Archaeological Shop, Tel Aviv, Israel, 1971
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#199826
- Condition: All have age-commensurate weathering to surfaces, but are otherwise intact and very nice. Rich patina to applicator and beautiful iridescence to glass. Larger glass vessel and applicator fit in to a custom carrying case.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $749 | $25 |
| $750 | $1,499 | $50 |
| $1,500 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $7,499 | $250 |
| $7,500 | $14,999 | $500 |
| $15,000 + | $1,000 |