187
A Roman Rock Crystal Amphoriskos
Estimate: $3,000-$5,000
Sold
$1,900
Live Auction
Antiquities & Ancient Art
Size
Height 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm).
Description
A Roman Rock Crystal Amphoriskos
Roman Period or Later
Height 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm).
Condition
Inspected under UV light and 10x loupe. Small chip on disk foot. Some encrustations and discoloration throughout. Mineral deposits within. Handles rest on modern stand. Height with stand 5 3/4 inches (14.6 cm). Overall in fine and attractive condition. See additional images.
Provenance
Provenance:Gawain McKinley, London, prior to 1971.Fernando Torres, Lisbon, Portugal, 1971-1994.Jose de Albuquerque, Lisbon, Portugal, acquired from the above, 12 May 1994.Sands of Time, Washington D.C., Inv. no. RV1701. [where cataloged as 'after the antique']This delicate and refined bottle is exceptionally carved with twin opposing ear shape handles, a long neck with a flat rim, rounded shoulders, and a tipped bottom. Rock crystal was highly prized in antiquity for its brilliance and rarity. Only a small number of rock crystal amphoriskoi are known, and none with the gilding seen in this present example. For similar examples, see the Getty Museum (Acc. no. 83.AN.331) and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Acc. no. 99.457).