R46

Roman fine rock crystal amphoriskos

A rare carved rock crystal amphoriskos vessel with a bulbous body, pointed base and a pair of angled handles on the shoulder.

Vessels such as this were used to contain perfumes and fine oils, examples in rock crystal and agate are rare and would have been used by only the wealthiest elite.

Roman, 1st Century BC - 1st Century AD

One side of the rim has been chipped, otherwise the vessel is intact.

Size: 7.1 x 5.3 cms

Ex. private collection, Lisbon, Portugal. Acquired during the 1970's from an old Austrian collection.

For further reading please refer to Gefasse aus Edelsteinen, Hans-Peter Buhler, 1973.

For similar examples please compare: Christies, New York, 10th December 2004, lot 548. Christies, London, 25th April 2007, lot 235 for the same shape in agate.