Glass brochure 2014

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IRIDESCENCE AND ANCIENT GLASSA SELECTION OF GREEK, ROMAN, BYZANTINE AND ISLAMIC GLASS

VOLUME II - 201 4

IRIDESCENCE AND ANCIENT GLASSA SELECTION OF GREEK, ROMAN, BYZANTINE AND ISLAMIC GLASS

VOLUME II - 201 4

“fama est adpulsa nave mercatorum nitri , cum sparsi per l itus epulas pararent nec esset cortinisattol lendis lapidum occasio, glaebas nitri e nave subdidisse, quibus accensis, permixta harena litoris,tralucentes novi l iquoris fluxisse rivos, et hanc fuisse originem vitri . ”

There is a story that once a ship belonging to some traders in natural soda put in here (nearPtolemais in Phoenicia) and that they scattered along the shore to prepare a meal.

Since, however, no stones suitable for supporting their cauldrons were forthcoming, they restedthem on lumps of soda from their cargo. When these became heated and were completely mingledwith the sand on the beach a strange translucent l iquid flowed forth instreams; and this, it said, was the origin of glass.

Pl iny, Natural History XXXVI.1 91

The word iridescence comes from Iris, the Greek Goddess of rainbows and refers to rainbow-l ikeColors seen on the glass which changes when viewed in different l ighting and different angles.

The iridescence on ancient glass was not a deliberate effect, but rather unintentional and an accidentof time and chemistry. I ridescence is the result of refraction of l ight by thin layers of weathered glass,resulting in lustrous changing colors.

The interaction of the glass and the environment in contact with it is cal led weathering. Weathering iscaused by alkal i (soluble salt) being leached from the glass by sl ightly acidic water and then formingfine layers that eventual ly separate sl ightly or flake off causing a prism effect on l ight bouncing offand passing through the surface which reflects l ight differently. How much a glass object weatheringdepends on burial conditions and to a lesser extent the chemistry of that object. These conditions arehumidity, heat, and type of soil the glass was buried in. The chemistry of ancient glass thoughbasical ly similar, but differed in flux alkal i used such as natron (sodium carbonate), or potash(potassium carbonate). General ly glass made in the Western Provinces of the Roman empire withpotash has less iridescence than glass from the Eastern Mediterranean areas using natron.

My fascination with ancient glass has been always based on quality, condition and rarity.

For those reasons noted , the selection presented here in this catalogue have been chosen takeninto consideration the iridescence and eye appeal of every piece.

The main objective of this catalogue is to introduce collectors to the great variety of ancient glass.

Our selection then is geared toward revealing the vast range of forms, the different techniquesuti l ized, and the great array of colors. Among the pieces in the catalogue there are manycharacterized by exceptional iridescence, multicolored bri l l iant layers of gold, si lver, blue, violet, red,and green.

We are pleased to present in this catalogue a selection of ancient glass from Greek, Roman,Byzantine, and Islamic times. Our ancient glass collection is vast and sti l l growing. We are happy toshare with you our collection, and we look forward to helping you in al l of your collecting objectivesfor this fragile medium.

J. RifaiAphrodite Ancient Art

IntroductionThe manufacture of ancient glass reached substantial proportions during the second half of the firstmil lennium B.C. Beginning in the sixth century B.C. and continuing through the Hellenistic period, ahuge production of glass vessels made with the use of internal core, those vessels cal led core-formed.Their shapes rel ied on time-honored forms popularized in terracotta or stone, such as the oinochoeand alabastron. Then there was the invention of glass blowing, as we know it today, during the latefirst century B.C. By the first century A.D. , glass blowing became widespread throughout the Romanempire,producing fascinating vessels incorporating a variety of shapes and forms. The Roman glassmakersnot only produced free-blown vessels, but they also used elaborate molds to make more intricateshapes.Ancient glass brings to us across time objects whose fragil ity is often mirrored in their extremely thinwalls. The kind effect of time on glass, transforming its outer surface into a thin iridescent layer. I t isthe striking hues of this iridescence that can often turn an ordinary piece of glass into a symphony ofcolor.

GLOSSARY

There are several technical terms associated with glassmaking, often uti l ized in our descriptions.

A good but outdated l isting is available in:Karanis- Donald B. Harden, Roman Glass from Karanis, Ann Arbor, 1 936, pp. 1 3 ff.A recent updated compilation of techniques and descriptive terms is in Toledo-David FrederickGrose. The Toledo Museum of Art, Early Ancient Glass. New York, 1 989 pp. 29-36.

The fol lowing is a short glossary of the more common terms:

Base-ring - The application of a separately-made glass ting to the bottom of a vessel to al low it to

stand.

Core-forming – An early technique of glassmaking done by trai l ing molten glass over a core of inert

materials held by means of a metal rod. After completion the core was removed.

Coil base – A trail applied to the bottom of the vessel forming a ring which allows the piece to stand.

Collared rim – A rim which is folded downward and then upward, creating a type of collar.

Concave bottom – The concavity made by a tool which is evident on the bottom of many glasses

(also known as a kick).

Constriction ring – A tooled diaphragm (ring) of glass. This element is placed at the juncture

between neck and body in sprinkler flasks. I ts purpose is to restrict the flow of l iquid.

Fire polishing – The high polish of a vessel’s surface resulting from its reintroduction into the

furnace to even out any irregularities.Folded rims – The edge of the rim is heated and then folded either inward (an infolded rim) oroutward (an outfolded rim).Former mold – A mold made of either ceramic or metal in the shape of the vessel. A blank of glasscan be sagged over it or in it to produce the vessel in the shape of that mold.Gather – Glass placed at the end of the blowpipe in preparation for blowing.Lathe-cut – A technique of making and decorating glass whereby a piece of glass is mounted andturned while a tool using abrasive is brought in contact with the glass either to produce its generalform or to create various incised bands. This method can also be employed to produce an overal lpol ish for the vessel.Pad base – A section of glass applied to the bottom of a vessel and splayed out to produce a circularbase or foot which allows the piece to stand.Paraison – A slightly inflated gather at the end of a blowpipe.Pattern mold – A mold with various depressions or protuberances on its internal surface whichcreate decorative patterns. A paraison of glass is blown into it, taking the general form and design.The vessel can be further blown which creates a particular distended effect on its surface patterns.Pushed-in base or foot – Base produced by the blowing of a secondary paraison below the bottomof the vessel and then pushing this upward to create a ring-l ike structure.Rounded rim – The rounding of a rim’s edge by reheating.Weathering – The result of the chemical interaction of the glass and the environment in contact withit.

RECOMMENDED REFERENCES

Ancient Glass in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Axel von Saldern, Boston 1 968.Ancient Glass in the Hermitage Museum, Nina Kunina, 1 997.Ancient Glass in the Yale University Art Gallery, Susan Matheson, Meriden, 1 980.Ancient Glass at the Newark Museum, Susan Auth, Newark, 1 976.Ancient Glass – Sotheby’s. Ancient Glass auction. London, 20 November 1 987.Constable-Maxwell Collection, Sotheby’s Parke Bernet. The Constable-Maxwell Collection of AncientGlass auction, London, 4 June 1 979.Corning Museum of Glass, Pre Roman and Early Roman Glass, Vol I , I I , I I I , David Whitehouse, 1 979.Kofler-Truniger Collection – Christie’s Ancient Glass auction. London, 5 March 1 985The Toledo Museum of Art, Early Ancient Glass, David Frederick Grose, New York 1 989.The Toledo Museum of Art, Roman Mold Blown Glass, E. Marianne Stern, 1 995.

1 - GREEK CORE-FORMED GLASS AMPHORISKOSMade of cobalt blue glass body with opaque yellow and white trai l inig in

zigzag pattern. Double looped handles and base knob.Cf: Toledo, amphoriskos form I :2 as defined on pp. 1 26 ff, Toledo Museum

no. 97, p. 1 44;Hermitage Museum, nos 31 -35, p. 253.

Culture: GreekDate: 6th - 5th Century B.C.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, preserving most of its original pol ish.Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s.

Dimensions: H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.)$1 0,000

2 - GREEK CORE-FORMED GLASS AMPHORISKOSCobalt blue glass body, decorated with opaque white and yellow zigzag

pattern trai l ing and double looped handles and a base knob.Cf: Toledo Museum, amporiskos form I : 2 as defined on pp.1 26 ff;

Hermitage, nos. 31 -35, p. 253, Toledo, no. 97, p.1 44.Culture: Greek

Date: 6th - 5th Century B.C.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, excellent condition, with iridescence.Provenance: Ex- Early private American collection formed in the 1 990s.

Dimensions: H. 3 3/8 in. (8.4 cm.)$1 2,500

3 - GREEK CORE-FORMED GLASS AMPHORISKOSBlue glass body, opaque yellow and green zigzag trai l ing. The body framedup by horizontal trai ls in yel low around the upper and lower body, a singletrai l in yel low around the rim, the middle with zigzag alternating trai ls in

yel low and green.Cf: Hermitage nos. 31 -35, p. 253; The Toledo Museum of Art, Early Ancient

Glass Collection,no. 97, p. 1 44.Culture: Greek

Date: 6th - 5th Century B.C.Medium: GlassCondition: Intact.

Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 980s.Dimensions: H. 3 in. (7.6 cm.)

$1 5,000

4 - PHOENICIAN BIRD HEADED PENDANTOpaque green body and yellow trai ls

Culture: GreekDate: 6 th – 5th Century B.C.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact.

Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s.Dimensions: L. 1 1 /8 in. (2.8 cm.)

$2,800

5 - GREEK CORE-FORMED GLASS AMPHORISKOSGreek core-formed glass amphoriskos with a dark blue body and trai l

decoration of opaqueyellow and turquoise blue. The top-shaped body rests on a small base knoband has a cylindrical neck with outsplayed rim-disk.Two dark blue glasshandles connect the shoulders and the upper part of the neck. A trai l ofopaque yellow is wound spiral ly around the upper part of the body.

Cf: Toledo, cat. no. 1 04, p. 1 46.Culture: Greek

Date: 5th Century B.C.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, some surface pitting and encrusted earth deposits .Provenance: Ex- American private collection; European art market.

Dimensions: H. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm.)$3,200

6 - PHEONICIAN GLASS HEAD PENDANTOpaque blue glass body with yellow trai ls and white and blue eyes

Culture: PhoenicianDate: 5th Century B.C.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, Very good condition.

Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 990s.Dimensions: L. 1 5/1 6 in. (2.3 cm)

Cf. Reflections on Ancient Glass from the Borowski Collection. R. Bianchi,P-1 , p. 1 79.$2,500

7 - GREEK CORE FORMED PENDANT IN THE FORM OF A RAM’S HEADOpaque blue glass body with yellow trai ls and white and blue eyes

Culture: GreekDate: 4 th – 3rd Century B.C.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, excellent condition.

Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 990sDimensions: L. 1 5/1 6 in. (2.3 cm)Cf. Corning, no. 226, pp. 1 1 2-11 3

$4,500

8 - PHOENICIAN GLASS HEAD PENDANTBody in green glass applied trai ls in yel low, blue, and white.

Culture: PhoenicianDate: 3 rd – 1 st Century B.C.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, well preserved.

Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s.Dimensions: L. 3/4 in. (1 .9 cm)

Cf. Reflections on Ancient Glass from the Borowski Collection. R. Bianchi,P-37, p. 200.

$3,000

9 - GREEK CORE-FORMED GLASS ALABASTRONMade of deep blue glass body, decorated with opaque white and yellow

trai l ing arranged in azigzag pattern. This alabastron has a tooled ribbed pattern noticeable on

the upper part of thebody as well as two small lugged handles.

Cf: Toledo Museum, form I I I : I as defined on pp. 1 26 ff.Culture: Greek

Date: 2nd Century B.C.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, excellent condition, preserving its original fire polish.Provenance: Ex- Early private American collection formed in the 1 990s.

Dimensions: Diam. 4 1 /4 in. (1 0.8 cm.)$1 8,500

1 0 - GREEK CORE-FORMED GLASS AMPHORISKOSBlue glass body and trai led decoration in opaque white. This spectacularexample of the amphoriskos form, a rendition in glass of the classical two-handled amphora. The vessel has an elongated ovoid body, a splayed rim,

two handles and a base knob. A trai l of opaque white glass is woundspiral ly around the neck and upper shoulders, combed into a closely set

festoon pattern around the body, and final ly wound spiral ly again around thepointed bottom. The body terminates in an applied base knob and is topped

by a cylindrical neck with out-splayed rim.Toeldo 1 989 amphoriskos form I I I :2A.

Cf: Toledo Museum Glass Collection 1 989, no. 1 70, p. 1 70.Culture: Greek

Date: 2nd - 1 st Century B.C.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, exceptional ly well preserved with iridescence.Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s.

Dimensions: H. 6 1 /8 in. (1 5.5 cm.)$1 7,500

11 - HELLENISTIC CONICAL BOWL OF YELLOW GLASSMade of brown colored glass. The exceptional ly deep Hellenistic bowl hasan elegant form with a wheel-pol ished interior and fire-polished exterior, twobands of deep wheel-cut groves appear midway on the bowl, while another

pair highl ight the careful ly worked and polished rim.Cf: for a similar bowl in a different color, see Pittsburgh, no. 1 6, p. 43.

Culture: HellenisticDate: 2nd - 1 st Century B.C.


Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 980s.Dimensions: H. 3 5/8 in. (9 cm.), Diam. 6 1 /8 in. (1 5.5 cm.)

$9,500

1 2 - HELLENISTIC CONICAL BOWL OF AMBER COLORED GLASSFormed by draping glass over a mold, the amber colored bowl has arounded bottom and slightly flaring rim that is embell ished by wheel-cut

grooves on the interior.Cf: David Frederick Grose, The Toledo Museum of Art, Early Ancient Glass(New York, 1 989), cat. no. 234, p. 265 for form, and see pp. 244 ff. for a

discussion of the complex process involved in making such glass.Culture: Greek

Date: 2nd - 1 st Century B.C.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, with sections of an iridescent si lvery-grey layer preserved.Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 980s.

Dimensions: H. 4 3/8 in. (1 1 .5 cm.)$6,500

1 2a. ROMAN PATELLA MOSAIC GLASS CUPCarinated cup, outsplayed rim with almost pointed edge, carinated side with

two convex curves. Composite mosaic pattern formed from polygonalsections of canes in purple ground with opaque white rods. An outstanding

example of this type of cup with exceptional iridescence.Culture: Roman

Date: Late 1 st Century B.C. – Early 1 st Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, superb with breathtaking hues of iridescence.Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 980s.

Dimensions: H. 1 1 /2 in. (3.8 cm.), Diam. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.)Cf. Toledo, Early Ancient Glass, nos. 508-51 9’ pp. 321 -322; Kofler-Truniger,nos. 1 77-1 80, pp. 99-1 00; Newark, nos. 304-308, p. 1 95; Yale, nos. 48-52,

pp. 1 7-1 9.Price On Request.

1 3 - HELLENISTIC OPAQUE RED GLASS BOTTLEOf pear-shaped form with sl ightly indented base, slender neck and flaring

mouth.The body and neck partial ly obscured by green metal l ic weathering. Thegreen patina is caused by the emission of copper from the glass which

forms a fine metal l ic skin.Cf: For similar example, formerly in the collection of ancient glass formedby the British Rail Pension Fund, Sotheby's London, November 1 987, lot 8,Important Ancient Glass from the Collection formed by the British Rail

Pension Fund; also, the Benzian Collection of Ancient and Islamic Glass,Sotheby's London, July 1 994, lot 49; also another example formerly in the

Harvey Rothenberg Collection, New York.Culture: Greek

Date: 1 st Century B.C. - 1 st Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, with green patinaProvenance: Ex- Sotheby's New York antiquities auction, lot 88, December

201 2; Private collection, Beirut, 1 960s.Dimensions: H. 4 1 /8 in. (1 0.5 cm.)

$9,500

1 4 - EARLY ROMAN RIBBED SHALLOW BLUE BOWLCobalt blue glass. A remarkable example of early cast ribbed bowls, thispiece was made using a saturated hue of cobalt blue glass. This type of

vessel was created by a process of sagging, lathe-cutting and fire polishing,of extremely compact form, the bowl has a very sl ightly concave bottom, acurving body with a series of vertical ribs and a vertical rim with rounded

edge.Although these bowls were quite popular in the first centuries BC/AD, themost frequently encountered specimens are in bluish-green glass. Pieces incolored glass, particularly such a rich dark blue, are extremely rare and

seldom offered.Cf: Oppenlander, no. 253, pp. 96 & 99; Toledo 1 989, nos. 235 & 238, pp.265-266. For a discussion of the complex process involved in making such

vessels, see Toledo 1 989, pp. 244 ff.Culture: Roman


Condition: Intact, Few stress cracks, small repairs.Provenance: Ex- European early private collection 1 970s.Dimensions: H. 2 in. (5 cm.), Diam. 6 1 /4 in. (1 5.9 cm.)

$1 5,000

1 5 - EARLY ROMAN RIBBED BOWL OF ORANGE GLASSRoman ribbed bowl of pale orange colored glass, shal low form with 59 fineand closely spaced ribs, vertical rim with sl ight outward flare, on the interiortwo concentric grooves around the center with two others further out, therim with deep lathe-cut groove on the interior, the lower part of the exteriorfire-polished. This type of vessel was created by a process of sagging,

lathe-cutting and fire polishing.Cf: Toledo Museum of Art, Early Ancient Glass, 1 989, no. 234, p. 265 forform, and see pp. 244 ff. for a discussion of the complex process involved

in making such vessel.Culture: Roman


Condition: Intact, with creamy white iridescent layer, some stress cracks.Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 980s.Dimensions: H. 2 in. (5 cm.), Diam. 6 3/4 in. (1 7.2 cm.)

$1 5,000

1 6 - ROMAN ROUNDED MOSAIC FACE BEADGreen glass body decorated with three female heads.

Culture: RomanDate: 1 st Century B.C. - 1 st Century A.D.


Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 950s.Dimensions: Diam. 3/4 in. (1 .9 cm.)

Cf. Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience Part I I I ,Christie’s London, 8 December 1 993, No. 49.

$2,000

1 7 - ROMAN ROUNDED MOSAIC FACE BEADGreen glass body decorated with three female faces separated by three

patches in red.Culture: Roman

Date: 1 st Century B.C. - 1 st Century A.D.Medium: GlassCondition: Intact.

Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 950s.Dimensions: Diam. 1 /2 in. (1 .9 cm.)

$1 ,800

1 8 - ROMAN ROUNDED MOSAIC FACE BEADPale green body, decorated with three female faces within red separated by

checkered pattern within white.Culture: Roman



Cf. Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience Part I I I , Christie’s London, 8December 1 993, No. 49.

$2,000

1 9 - ROMAN SQUARE MOSAIC FACE BEADDark blue body, decorated with two faces one on each side within yel low.



Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 970s.Dimensions: L. 1 /2 in. (1 .3 cm.)

Cf. Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience Part I I I , Christie’s London, 8December 1 993, No. 45

$2,000

20 - ROMAN ROUNDED MOSAIC FACE BEADFlat bead with vertical edges, a circular female head on both sides, in

layers of white, black and red.Culture: Roman



Cf. Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience Part I I I , Christie’s London, 8December 1 993, No. 44.

$1 ,800

21 - ROMAN “PORTRAIT OF A LADY” BEADCulture: Roman


Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 970s.Dimensions: L. 1 /4 in. (.5 cm.)

Cf. Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience Part I I I , Christie's London 8December 1 993, No. 46

$1 ,500

22 - ROMAN SQUARE MOSAIC FACE BEADThe square shaped bead with a mask of Medussa at the center, with whitefor the flesh, the almond shaped eyes with black for the pupils, a black

band with four squares merging with the surrounding checkerboard in redand yellow framed by alternating white and black dotted border.



Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 950s.Dimensions: L. 1 /2 in. (1 .3 cm.)

Cf. Ancient Glass formerly in the G. Sangiorgi Collection, Christie’s, 3 June1 999, No. 83.

$2,000

23 - ROMAN AUBERGINE GLASS TWO HANDLED FLASKRoman aubergine glass two handled flask with splashes of white and

greyish blue. The ovoid body has a cylindrical neck with an out-folded rimand two slender handles. The aubergine color of the glass is enl ivened with

splashes of white and grayish blue.While vessels of this type have been found all around the Mediterranean,the majority with known find-spots are concentrated in northern I taly andadjoining regions. The type was in peak production during the Jul io-Claudian and Flavian periods. The color of this flask is quite rare.

Cf: Verres antiques et de L'Islam. Ancienne Collection de Monsieur D (Parissale, 3-4 June 1 985), cat. no. 99, p. 47 (with green handles); Axel vonSaldern, Glas von der antike bis zum Jugensti l , Sammlung Hans Cohn(Mainz, 1 980), cat. no. 34, p. 44; Nina Kunina, Ancient Glass in the

Hermitage Collection (St. Petersburg, 1 997), cat. nos. 1 88 & 1 90, pp. 1 51 -1 52 & 292-293; an amphoriskos with the Sopritendenza Archeologica della

Lombardia, Milan, inv. 78987, published in Vetro e vetri . Prezioseiridescenze (Venice, 1 998), cat. no. 2, pp. 28 & 30-31 , fig. 4 & Tav. I I .2

Culture: RomanDate: 1 st Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, excellent state of preservation with underlying

iridescence.Provenance: Ex- German private collection 1 980s; European art market.

Dimensions: H. 4 3/4 in. (1 2 cm.)$1 8,500

24 - ROMAN PSEUDO MOSAIC GLASS FLASKThis flask is made of aubergine glass which has been decorated with swirlsof opaque white glass and then combed into a loose festoon pattern in

imitation of true mosaic glass.Culture: Roman

Date: 1 st Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, excellent state of preservation with nice weathering fi lmand iridescence.

Provenance: Ex-American private collection 1 980s; European art market.Dimensions: H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.)

Cf. Canav, no.29, p.41 ; Kofler-Truniger Collection, No. 1 36, p. 80.$11 ,500

25 - ROMAN GLASS SIDONIAN FLASK WITH SCROLL PATTERNThe Sidonian mold-blown vase with vegetal scrol l pattern in the center.Thetwo trai led handles are made of white glass. The bulbous body rests on alow base with a flat bottom, where the seam of the two-part mold is visible,and has a cylindrical neck with a splayed and in-folded rim. The middle ofthe body is decorated with a vine scrol l , which is framed above and below

by tongue patterns.Cf. Toledo 1 995, cat. no. 56, p. 1 53 (probably same mold); Corning

Museum of Glass, 2001 , cat. no. 51 2, pp. 42-43; Berl in, cat. no. 56, p. 39;Oppenlander, cat. no. 41 3, pp. 1 44 & 1 47; Smith, cat. no. 75, p. 61 .

Culture: RomanDate: 1 st Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, white weathering fi lm. .

Provenance: Ex- Early European private collection, 1 960s.Dimensions: H. 4 1 /2 in. (1 1 .5 cm.)

$4,500

26 - ROMAN SIDONIAN GLASS VASE WITH SCROLL PATTERNLight aubergine in color, the ovoid body of this vessel was blown in a two-part mold. Around the body is a frieze with a continuous vine scrol l flankedabove and below by a band of ridges and vertical flutes. The cylindrical

neck extends into a sl ightly splayed lip, with in-folded rim and two delicatelytrai led handles. An extremely fine vase retaining some of its original fire-

polished surface. Very rare in such a state of preservation.Cf: Toledo 1 995, no. 56, p. 1 53, D. Whitehouse, Roman Glass in the

Corning Museum of Glass I I , 2001 , 42, no. 51 2.Culture: Eastern Mediterranean


Condition: Intact, excellent with excessive iridescence and custom basedisplay stand.

Provenance: Ex- Private American collection, early 1 990's.Dimensions: H. 3.1 in. (7.8 cm.)

$6,000

27 - ROMAN MOLD-BLOWN GLASS AMPHORISKOSRoman mold-blown amphoriskos of pale aubergine glass. The ovoid bodyof the vessel loosely resembles that of a Roman Amphora and is decorated

by a pattern of neatly stacked horizontal ribbing.On top is a cylindrical neck with infolded rim and two elegant trai led handles

with pinched rounded finials join the shoulders and lip.Cf: The more common variant lacking such elaborate handle treatment andmade with a far less articulated mold in E. Marianne Stern, The ToledoMuseum of Art. Roman Mold-Blown Glass (Rome, 1 995), nos. 65-68, pp.

1 58-1 59.Culture: Roman


Condition: Intact, with a black weathering crust l ightly flaked in areas toreveal a highly iridescent layer.

Provenance: Ex- American private collection; European art market.Dimensions: H. 4 5/8 in. (1 1 .5cm.)

$5,500

28 - ROMAN SIDONIAN GLASS FLASK WITH BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIESFrom this point on we must go back to the coast and to Phoenicia. There wasformally a town called Crocodilon, and there is sti l l a river of that name. . .Then

comes Cape Carmel. . .next are Getta, Geba, and the river Pacida orBelus. . . .Close to the river is Ptolemais. . . .Next Tyre, once an island separated

from the mainland by a very deep sea-channel 700 yards wide, but now joined toit by the works constructed by Alexander when besieging the place. . .but theentire renown of Tyre now consists in a shell-fish and a purple dye! . . .Next

are Zarephath and the City of Birds (Ornithonoppidium), and Sidon, the mother-city of Thebes in Boetia where glass is made.

Pliny, Natural History V.75-76Blown in a tripartite mold. The hexagonal body is decorated with a series of birdsand winged insects perched atop spherical objects in aediculae with triangularpediments. Each of the six panels has a lower egg-and-dart border, below whichis a series of 27 upturned tongues. The piece rests on a low foot with flattenedbottom, where the careful ly al igned mold seams are visible. Between the

triangular pediments are spherical objects, with alternating pointed rays andleaves on the shoulder above them. The rather tal l , separately made cylindricalneck has a rim that is folded first out, and then up and in. The panels contain along-necked bird, perhaps a heron; a butterfly; a bird with folded wings facing

left; a bird with long legs; perhaps an ibis; a bird flying with outspread wings; andanother bird with outspread wings perched on a spherical object. The piece wasmade from an opaque glass that now has a glossy, sl ightly yel lowish surface witha beige-toned area on one side. This surface has flaked off in small spots on the

neck and body to reveal a rougher, green to purple iridescent layer.An exceptional ly detai led mold of Series A from an early strike.

The birds type of hexagonal mold-blown flask is relatively uncommon, with onlyabout two dozen examples published, and within this type there are two series,A, as here, and B. Series A with at least four different mold employed. This flaskappears to be from mold C, the same as the Toledo example, Toledo 1 995, cat.

no. 46, pp. 1 44-1 45.Most of these flasks are opaque white, with a few blue.

Scholars have hypothesized that the motif was chosen to evoke the nameOrnithopolis, "City of Birds", located between Tyre and Sidon on the Phoenician

sea coast, and mentioned in Pliny's passage cited above.Cf: Newark, cat. nos. 45-46, pp, 1 42-1 45; Ernesto Wolfe Collection 2001 , cat.no. 46, p. 1 1 6; Ancient glass Collection in the Israel Museum, cat. nos. 1 38-1 39,

p. 1 33.Culture: Roman


Condition: Intact, excellent state of preservation, an early strike from anexceptional ly detai led mold of Series A. ,

Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s.Dimensions: H. 3 1 /4 in. (8.2 cm.)

$1 8,500

29 - ROMAN GLASS SKYPHOSPale bluish glass. A rare form in Roman glass production

Cf: Corning 1 997, no. 1 34, p. 93.Culture: Roman


Condition: Intact, excellent state of preservation with iridescence.Provenance: Ex- European early private collection 1 970s.Dimensions: H. 4 in. (1 0 cm.), W. 5 3/8 in. (1 3.5 cm.)

$1 2,500

30 - ROMAN SIDONIAN AUBERGINE MOLDED GLASS FLASKOf aubergine colored body, molded with with a vegetal scrol l pattern.

Culture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 1 st Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, with excellent iridescence, very good condition.

Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 990'sDimensions: H. 3 1 /8 in. (7.9 cm.)

Cf. Roman Glass in the Corning Museum, Vol I , D. Whitehouse, No. 51 2, p.42.

$8,500

31 - ROMAN GLASS UNGUENTARIUMCulture: Roman


Condition: Intact, with excellent iridescence.Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 980s.

Dimensions: H. 4 1 /4 in. (1 0.8 cm.)Cf. Newark, No. 403, p. 211 ; Yale no. 90, p. 29.

$850





$950




Dimensions: H. 5 in. (1 2.7 cm.)Cf. Newark, No. 403, p. 211 ; Yale no. 90, p. 29.

$850





$850

35 - ROMAN BLUE COLORED THREADED GLASS FLASKCulture: Roman

Date: 1 st – 2 nd Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, with some repair.Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection 1 980s.

Dimensions: H. 3 1 /2 in. (8.9 cm.)Cf. Oppenlander, no. 644, p. 221 ; Aquilea, no. 6. P.25; similar specimens(but without handles), in Hermitage, no. 1 98, p. 294, Monsieur D, no. 1 56,p. 73; Newark Museum, nos. 356-358, p. 203; Tale Museum, no. 74, pp. 27-

28$1 ,200

36 - ROMAN GLASS BEAKERCulture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 1 st – 2 nd Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, with excellent iridescence. Superb condition.Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection, 1 960s.

Dimensions: H. 3 1 5/1 6 in. (9.9 cm.)$3,500

36a - ROMAN LARGE LIGHT BLUE GLASS JUGRoman light blue glass jug with an ovoid body resting on a circular padbase. The neck widens downward, the rim is flanged, nd the strap trai lhandle has a loop-shaped thumb rest and ribs; concave buttom with

pronounced kick on the interior.Cf: Hermitage, no. 261 , p. 307; Louvre I I , cat. nos. 880-881 , pp. 296-297.Publication data: Boisgirard & Associates, Archeologie. Arts de I 'Islam

(Paris, Hotel Drouot, 1 1 /28/2005), no. 41 .Culture: Roman

Date: 2nd Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, with iridescence and brown deposit on the interior.Provenance: Ex- American private collection; col lected in the 1 990s.

Dimensions: H. 6 7/8 in. (1 7.5 cm.)SOLD

37 - ROMAN HEMISPERICAL GLASS BOWLCulture: Eastern Mediterranean

Date: 2nd Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, with excellent iridescence. Superb condition.Provenance: Early American private collection, 1 960s.Dimensions: H. 2 1 /4 in. (5.7 cm.), Dim. 4 in. (1 0.2 cm.)

Cf. Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, Vol I , D. Whitehouse,No. 96, P. 76

$1 ,600

38 - ROMAN GLASS VASE WITH BLUE TRAILED HANDLESCulture: Roman

Date: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, excellent overal l with weathering and iridescence.Provenance: Ex- European private collection. .

Dimensions: H. 2 3/8 in. (5.8 cm.)$1 ,200

39 - ROMAN GLASS CANDLESTICK UNGUENTARIUMCulture: Roman


Condition: Intact, with extraordinary golden weathering and iridescence.Provenance: Ex- American private collection, col lected in the 1 990s.

Dimensions: H. 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm.)SOLD

40 - ROMAN LARGE GLASS PLATECulture: Roman

Date: 2nd – 3 rd Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, very good state of preservation, abundance ofiridescence.

Provenance: Ex- European art market; New York private collection.Dimensions: D. 1 0 1 /1 6 in. (25.6 cm.), H. 2 in. (5 cm.)

Cf. The Constable-Maxwell Collection of Ancient Glass, Sotheby ParkeBernet, 4 June 1 979, No. 285.

$7,000

41 - ROMAN BELL-SHAPED GLASS BEAKERCulture: Roman


Condition: Intact, excellent overal l with weathering and iridescence.Provenance: Ex- Dutch private collection; Gerhbardt Hirsch Nachfolger,

265, (2/9/201 0), 29.Dimensions: H. 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.)

$850

42 - ROMAN GLASS BOWLOf pale green glass, the bowl has a tapering cylindrical form with a

thickened rim that is outfolded then back in, the bottom has a base ring andis pushed in. Some brown incrustation and many patches of iridescence.Cf: Smith Collection, no. 235, p. 1 27; Constable-Maxwell Collection, no. 65,

p. 49.Culture: Roman


Condition: Intact, with deposits and iridescence.Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s; European art market.

Dimensions: H. 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm.), Diam. 5 3/8 in. (1 3.5 cm.)$1 ,200

43. ROMAN TWIN HANDLED BALSAMARIUMCulture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 2nd – 3rd Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, with excellent iridescence. Superb condition.

Provenance: Early American private collection, 1 960s.Dimensions: H. 4 5/8 in. (1 1 .7 cm.)

$1 ,200

44 - ROMAN GLASS DOUBLE HEAD-SHAPED FLASKRoman pale bluish green glass double head-shaped flask with chubbychildl ike faces. Blown is a two-part mold, the body is in the form of two

back-to-back heads with similar childl ike features and three rows of knobsof hair.

The tubular neck has an outplayed rim that is folded out, then up and in.Cf: Toledo 1 995, cat. nos. 1 49-1 51 , pp. 232-235; Newark, cat. no. 74, p. 74;

Yale, cat. no. 1 91 ,p.73; Wolf Ancient Glass Collection, cat. no. 75, p. 1 81 ; Corning Museum of

Glass 2001 , cat.no. 549, pp. 76-77.Culture: Roman

Date: 3rd Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, superb condition with iridescence.Provenance: Ex- American private collection; European art market.

Dimensions: H. 3 1 /4 in. (8.3 cm.)$3,500

45 - ROMAN GLASS FLASK WITH STYLIZED GRAPE PATTERNOf pale blue colored glass, the mold-blown bulbous body reproduces the

texture of a cluster of grapes.The tal l cyl indrical neck has a slightly flared in-folded rim and is pushed-inat the shoulders creating a collared rim between itself and the body of the

vessel.Culture: Roman

Date: 3rd Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, with iridescent highl ights on sections of the flask.Provenance: Ex- Early European private collection, 1 960s.

Dimensions: H. 4 1 /2 in. (1 1 .5 cm.)$4,000

46 - ROMAN GLASS JAR WITH FUNNEL MOUTHCulture: Roman

Date: 3rd - 4th Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, superb condition with iridescence.Provenance: Ex- American private collection; col lected in the 1 990s.

Dimensions: H. 3 1 5/1 6 in. (9.9 cm.)SOLD

47 - ROMAN GLASS BOWLOf pale green glass, the bowl has a tapering cylindrical form with a

thickened rim that is outfolded then back in, the bottom has a base ring andis pushed in. Some brown incrustation and many patches of iridescence.Cf: Smith Collection, no. 235, p. 1 27; Constable-Maxwell Collection, no. 65,

p. 49.Culture: Roman


Condition: Intact, with deposits and iridescence.Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s; European art market.

Dimensions: H. 2 3/8 in. (5.8 cm.), Diam. 6 3/8 in. (1 6 cm.)$1 ,200

48 - ROMAN GLASS JAR WITH ZIGZAG TRAILINGCulture: Roman


Condition: Intact, superb, fiery iridescence throughout.Provenance: Ex- New York art market; American private collection.

Dimensions: H. 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm.)SOLD

49 - ROMAN CARINATED DISHThe elegant bowl made of yellow-green glass, has a carinated body

extended into a broad lip with a vertical rim. Acting as an extension of therim is a thick trai l of glass which has been pinched in sections to create a

scalloped effect.Culture: Roman


Condition: Intact, superb, fiery iridescence throughout.Provenance: Ex- New York art market; American private collection.

Dimensions: H. 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm.)Cf. Hermitage Collection, no. 335, p. 321 .

$3,500

50 - ROMAN GLASS JUG WITH AQUAMARINE ZIGZAG TRAILINGCulture: Roman


Condition: Intact, multicolored iridescence.Provenance: Ex- European art market; New York private collection.

Dimensions: H. 4 in. (1 0.2 cm.)$2,000

51 . LARGE ROMAN FOOTED GLASS BOWLMade of greenish-yel low glass. This deep bowl has an elegant carinatedprofi le resting on a circular-footed base that is indented inward. The rimterminates with a footed edge lip. Excellent quality and very rare in this

color, size, and condition.Cf: The Constable-Maxwell Collection of Ancient Glass, Sotheby Parke

Bernet, June 1 979, Smith Collection, no. 235, p.1 27.Culture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 3rd - 4th Century A.D.


Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 990's.Dimensions: H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.), Diam. 7 3/4 in. (1 9.7 cm.)

$5,500

52 - ROMAN GLASS JUG WITH TRAILED HANDLECulture: Roman


Condition: Intact, with excessive iridescence.Provenance: Ex- Private East Coast U.S. col lection, 1 980s.

Dimensions: H. 4 3/4 in. (1 2 cm.)$2,1 00

53 - ROMAN JAR OF COLORLESS GLASS WITH AUBERGINE STREAKSThe large vessel has a spherical body with a pushed in bottom and a seriesof indentations around the body. The squat neck flares out toward the top

and has an outfolded rib below the rim.Culture: Roman


Condition: Intact, entirely covered with a dark weathering crust withiridescent highl ights.

Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s.Dimensions: H. 4 3/4 in. (1 2 cm.)

$3,500

54 - ROMAN LARGE GLASS JAR OF AUBERGINE COLORCulture: Roman


Condition: Intact, exceptional, with exquisite iridescent layer.Provenance: Ex- Private American collection.

Dimensions: H. 5 in. (1 2.7 cm.), 4 1 /4 in. Diam. (1 0.8 cm.)$8,500

55 - ROMAN PATTERN-MOLDED GLASS SPRINKLER FLASKOf conical shape, decorated with concentric designs, the short neck has a

splayed lip with an infolded rim. Very rare in this style and conditionCulture: Roman


Condition: Intact, exceptional, with exquisite iridescent layer.Provenance: Ex- Private American collection.

Dimensions: H. 5 in. (1 2.7 cm.)Cf. No. 489, p.1 77, Oppenlander using a similar pattern mold, also,

Wolkenberg glasscollection, no.44, p.27.

$1 ,800

56 - ROMAN HONEYCOMB CUP OF COLORLESS GLASS WITH AYELLOWISH TINGE

The cylindrical body rounded toward the bottom where it is concave; on top,the l ip is sl ightly flared out with a cracked-off and unfinished rim. Thespectacular decoration of such cups consists in a variably-sized

honeycomb pattern achieved by first blowing the glass into a pattern moldand then inflating it further to create the gradual distension of the pattern.

The exterior is fire polished.Cf: Related pieces in Pittsburgh, no. 21 0, p. 1 21 ; Kofler-Truniger Collection,no. 40, p.29; Cohn, no. 55, p. 62; Luzern, 322; Ancient Glass in the Yale

University Art Gallery, S. Matheson, No. 284, p. 1 09.Culture: Roman

Date: 4th Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, excellent state of preservation preserving its original firepolish.

Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s; European art market.Dimensions: H. 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm.)

$8,500

57 - LARGE ROMAN FLASKCulture: Eastern Mediterranean

Date: 4th Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, with excellent iridescence. Superb condition.Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 990's.

Dimensions: H. 6 3/4 in. (1 7.2 cm.)For a closely similar example, see cat. no.31 2, p.1 78, Roman Glass in the

Corning Museum of Glass, Vol I , D. Whitehouse.$1 ,400

58. ROMAN CONICAL GLASS BEAKER OR LAMPCulture: Roman

Date: 4th - 5th Century A.D.Medium: GlassCondition: Intact.

Provenance: Ex- European early private collection 1 970s.Dimensions: H. 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm.)

$3,500

59 - SASSANIAN FACET-CUT CUP OF PALE YELLOW GLASSA large deeply cut circular facet provides a flat surface on which the

hemispherical cup securely rests. Above is a row of seven circular facets,then a row of fifteen pentagons with rounded buttom, then three rows ofprimari ly hexagonal facets. A brownish weathering iridescent crust coverssome of the surface, but it has peeled away in parts revealing the color of

the glass and some iridescence.Cf: Persian Glass, no. 1 and pp. 34 ff. For a discussion of these facet-cutcups, other examples in Pittsburgh, no. 235, p. 1 38; Luzern, no. 483, p.

1 20; Oppenlander, no. 758, p. 259, Cohn no. 1 42, p. 1 49; Monsieur D. nos.532-33, pp.21 9-20 (citing mainly related examples).

Culture: SassanianDate: 3rd - 6th Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, with good weathering fi lm and iridescence.

Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s; European art market.Dimensions: H. 3 in. (7.5 cm.), Diam. 4 1 /4 in. (1 0.7 cm.)

$5,000

60 - LATE ROMAN/EARLY BYZANTINE GLASS BEAKEROf conical shape and pale green glass, decorated with a row of dots in

blue, the pointed bottom with a blue knob, the rim is everted and folded out.Cf.Corning 1 997, no. 366, p.21 3.

Cf. Roman glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, Vol I I , D. WhitehouseCulture: Roman

Date: 5th -6th Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, excellent state of preservationProvenance: Ex- European early private collection 1 970s.Dimensions: H. 4 in. (1 0 cm.), Diam. 3 1 /2 in. (9 cm.)

$7,000

61 - ROMAN BEAKER WITH SWIRLLING DESIGNCulture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 3rd – 4th Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, with iridescence and some deposits.

Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 990's.Dimensions: H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.)

Cf. Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, Vol I I , D. Whitehouse$800

62 - LATE ROMAN/BYZANTINE SQUAT FLASKCulture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 5th – 7th Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, with excellent iridescence. Superb condition.Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection, 1 960s.Dimensions: H. 3 in. (7.6 cm.), Diam. 4 1 /2 in. (1 1 .4 cm.)

Cf. Sassanian and Post Sassanian Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass,D. Whitehouse, no. 2, p.1 7

$9,500

63 - PARTHIAN OR SASSANIAN PATTERN-MOLDED HEMISPHERICALCUP

Parthian or Sassanian pattern-molded hemispherical cup of l ight greenglass, the hemispherical section decorated with a vertical l inked chain

design, a vertical l ip with thickened rim on top.This type of vessel was created using a complex process of graduallyblowing the glass into the mold and then repositioning to create the nextstage. A yellow-white weathering fi lm covers much of the surface. The

proposed dating of these cups varies greatly between the 1 st through the7th centuries AD.

Fukai dates a somewhat similar cup to between 1 st and 3rd centuries AD(Persian Glass, no. 1 6), while Von Saldern (Cohn, no. 1 46, pp. 1 52-1 53)tentatively places a closely related specimen with exactly the same design

and rim to the 6th and 7th centuries AD. The later seems preferable.Culture: Near Eastern

Date: 6th-7th Century A.D.Medium: Glass

Condition: Intact, very good state of preservation, with several stress cracksfrom an imperfection in the bottom of the cup.

Provenance: Ex- American private collection 1 980s.Dimensions: H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.), Diam. 4 5/8 in. (1 1 .7 cm.)

$5,500

64 - BYZANTINE DECORATED GLASS CUPCulture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 6th – 9th Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, with very good iridescence.

Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection, 1 950s.Dimensions: H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.), Diam. 3 1 /2 in. (9 cm.)

$4,000

65 - ISLAMIC MARVERED GLASS ALABASTRONCulture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 9th - 1 0th Century A.D.


Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 990's/Dimensions: H. 4 1 /2 in. (1 1 .4 cm.)

Cf. Glass from Islamic land, S. Carboni, cat. 3.63a, p.31 6.$1 ,500

66 - ISLAMIC DECORATED GLASS FLASKCulture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 1 0th – 1 2th Century A.D.


Dimensions: H. 3 in. (7.6 cm.)Cf. Glass from Islamic land, S. Carboni, cat. 3.35a, p.246.

$3,500


Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, with excellent iridescence. Superb condition.Provenance: Ex- Early American private collection, 1 940's/

Dimensions: H. 3 ¾ in. (9.5 cm.)Cf. Glass from Islamic land, S. Carboni, cat. 3.35a, p.246.

$9,500



Dimensions: H. 3 in. (7.6 cm.)Cf. Glass from Islamic land, S. Carboni, cat. 3.45a, p.254.

$5,500

69 - BYZANTINE GLASS CHALICECulture: Eastern MediterraneanDate: 1 4th – 1 5th Century A.D.

Medium: GlassCondition: Intact, with excellent iridescence. Very good condition.

Provenance: Ex- European art market; American private collection, 1 980s.Dimensions: H. 5 in. (1 2.7 cm.)

Cf. The Constable-Maxwell Collection of Ancient Glass, Sotheby ParkeBernet, 4 June 1 979, No.355.

$9,500

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© Aphrodite Ancient Art LLC 201 4

TERMS OF SALE

The objects offered in this catalogue are subject to prior sale and are priced in US dollars.

Shipping and packing charges are additional.

Al l objects in this catalogue are available for viewing in our New York gallery by appointment.

The authenticity of al l objects is unconditional ly guaranteed.

Aphrodite Ancient Art LLC, New York 201 4

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the express written permission of the gallery.

Glass brochure 2014

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