No. 99516879

Sold
Ancient Roman Glass Amphora Pendant  (No Reserve Price)
Final bid
€ 2
4 weeks ago

Ancient Roman Glass Amphora Pendant (No Reserve Price)

An Ancient Roman glass pendant in the form of a miniature amphora. The vessel features a piriform body terminating in a rounded knob base, now chipped. The shoulder’s of the body lead to a short cylindrical neck and flat top. The piece has been perforated through the neck for suspension. Miniature items, such as this fine example, were often used as charms for necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Signs of wear, such as minor abrasions to the surface, chips to the base and the top, as consistent with age. As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. Following the spread of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in the designs and in the materials used. By the 1st century AD, the technique of glass-blowing had revolutionised the art of glass-making, allowing the quantity of production to be increased, whilst its price be reduced. It also allowed for new flexibility and artistic freedom, with glass now becoming a decorative luxury to rival pottery. It was this novel mass production of the material in imperial Rome that prompted the development of glass jewellery, though its valuable properties today derive in large part from the ageing process. Measurements: (circa) L 1.3cm x W 0.8cm Provenance: Ex S.M private collection, London, acquired by descent 1970-99. N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**

No. 99516879

Sold
Ancient Roman Glass Amphora Pendant  (No Reserve Price)

Ancient Roman Glass Amphora Pendant (No Reserve Price)

An Ancient Roman glass pendant in the form of a miniature amphora. The vessel features a piriform body terminating in a rounded knob base, now chipped. The shoulder’s of the body lead to a short cylindrical neck and flat top. The piece has been perforated through the neck for suspension. Miniature items, such as this fine example, were often used as charms for necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Signs of wear, such as minor abrasions to the surface, chips to the base and the top, as consistent with age.

As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. Following the spread of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in the designs and in the materials used. By the 1st century AD, the technique of glass-blowing had revolutionised the art of glass-making, allowing the quantity of production to be increased, whilst its price be reduced. It also allowed for new flexibility and artistic freedom, with glass now becoming a decorative luxury to rival pottery. It was this novel mass production of the material in imperial Rome that prompted the development of glass jewellery, though its valuable properties today derive in large part from the ageing process.

Measurements: (circa) L 1.3cm x W 0.8cm

Provenance: Ex S.M private collection, London, acquired by descent 1970-99.

N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**


Final bid
€ 2
Peter Reynaers
Expert
Estimate  € 230 - € 280

Similar objects

For you in

Archaeology

Set a search alert
Set a search alert to get notified when new matches are available.

This object was featured in

                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    

How to buy on Catawiki

Learn more about our Buyer Protection

      1. Discover something special

      Browse through thousands of special objects selected by experts. View the photos, details and estimated value of each special object. 

      2. Place the top bid

      Find something you love and place the top bid. You can follow the auction to the end or let our system do the bidding for you. All you have to do is set a bid for the maximum amount you want to pay. 

      3. Make a secure payment

      Pay for your special object and we’ll keep your payment secure until it arrives safe and sound. We use a trusted payment system to handle all transactions. 

Have something similar to sell?

Whether you're new to online auctions or sell professionally, we can help you earn more for your special objects.

Sell your object