Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A precious paste glass patella dish boasting a minimalist form enveloped in a hue of vivid sky blue with shimmering areas of iridescence. A paste glass patella is a rarity, as most are made of metal or earthenware. The patella was used domestically for the practical purpose of holding food - or, in the case of a small one like this, sauce like garum or condiments like salt - and for the ritual purpose of making offerings to the Lares, the hearth guardians. The Roman playwright Plautus (c. 254-184 BCE) even called these gods "patellari dii," the patella gods. Every household needed to have at least one patella for making these important sacrifices. This example is not only a beautiful addition to any collection, but is equally useful in the modern-day household, serving as a dish for rings, jewelry, coins, or cuff links! Size: 2.5" Diameter x 0.8" H (6.4 cm x 2 cm)

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#175353

  • Condition: A few minor nicks, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice encrustations and stunning iridescence.

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January 29, 2023 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000