Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A charming, rare vessel carved from rock crystal, with a rounded, apple-shaped body, a flat rim, and two drilled holes on the upper shoulder to allow suspension. The rock crystal has been carefully smoothed so that the surface is incredibly pleasing to touch, with a nice weight as it sits in the hand. The Roman naturalist Pliny described rock crystal as having come from snow, and it seems that the Romans believed it was a form of petrified water. Size: 2.05" W x 1.7" H (5.2 cm x 4.3 cm)

Another Roman rock crystal vessel sold at Christie's London in 2011 for GBP 55250 (approximately $75000 USD): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-roman-rock-crystal-amphoriskos-circa-1st-5425425-details.aspx

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#136327

  • Condition: Light encrustation in lower profile areas and very light surface wear, including some tiny pitting. Otherwise in excellent condition.

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July 19, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000