Lot 43
Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A breathtaking mold blown sprinkler flask, with the inner diaphragm at the junction of the neck and body, designed to "sprinkle" precious liquids like perfume or unguents and prevent their evaporation, likely made to be used as part of an ancient Roman's daily beauty routine. It was blown with numerous ribs radiating upward from the pontil mark on the base to create an attractive pattern; the cylindrical neck and dramatically flared spout are smooth without ribs. Scholars sometimes call this rare type a "squash glass" because of the ribbing. The glass itself is of a golden caramel hue, and marvelous rainbow iridescence has fortuitously developed adding to its appeal. Size: 2.875" W x 4.125" H (7.3 cm x 10.5 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand.
Most scholars agree, Roman glass was of the highest quality - both aesthetically and technically - among the ancients. While glass making had been practiced for centuries, the Romans invented glass blowing in the 1st century BCE which revolutionized the artform. We can appreciate such a wide variety of forms and shapes, because the medium of glass has unique physical properties that make for so many more possibilities than metal or clay. Roman glassmakers reached incredible artistic heights with both free-blown vessels and mold blown forms and decorations.
Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, acquired from Druot Auction House, Paris, France in late 1970s; from an old French private collection
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.
#125445
- Condition: Broken pontil. Small chip to rim. Spall at lower end of neck with encrustation. Sediment within the vessel. Earthen encrustation on the rim. Amazing rainbow iridescence
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |