The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 4812
Delightful Glass Bird.
Islamic, Ummayad, c. 8th century AD. Blown in thick dark aubergine
resembling the color black, this work imitates the more ancient core-formed
glass vessels seen in preceding lots. The bird stares up from its ovoid head on
an elongated drop-shaped body. With white marvered bands on the body, the bird
has pinched and trailed wings. Glass remains mostly glossy with speckles of
bright metalic green iridescence. The fragmentary bird may have been a single
piece only or half of a pair of nesting doves.Length: 2-1/8". A rare object to
add a little levity to any collection. Cf. Corning, R. W. Smith Collection, no.
512.
Estimated Value $300-450.
Lot 4813
Ornate Little Bottle.
Islamic Syria or Persia, c. 7th to 9th century AD. Height: 1-7/8". In very
thick clear or light blue glass, this miniature bottle has a ribbed cylinder
neck atop an inverted conical body that has been tooled, folded, and pinched to
give the appearance of stacked discs. The sides of the base have a band of
pinched "fins" radiating at an oblique angle. Slight chips to some of the fins,
otherwise the bottle is intact and very good. The exterior features an
interesting black and silver patina, with swirled, marblized appearance, and
with flashes of iridescent color.
Estimated Value $175-300.
Lot 4814
Interesting Dropper Cup,
Finely Iridescent. Islamic, probably Syria, c. 7th to 10th century AD.
Height: 1-3/4". Blown from thick, leaf green glass, this small utensil is
beaker-like with a rounded base and elongated spout on one side. The spout's
tip is slightly chipped. Otherwise the glass is well preserved with colorful
silver-violet to blue, green, gold and red iridescence. A choice and scarce
little object. Some have termed these "baby feeders," but likely these served a
function in the distillation of medicinal or chemistry concoctions in the then
technologically advance world of Islam.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 4815
Unusual Weight in Emerald
Green Glass. Byzantine or Islamic c. 7th to 11th century AD. This weight is
a simple large disc, unadorned, in a finely colored deep green, with emerald
overtones. The disc weighs in at 168.9 grams, which could equally be a weight
of 6 Byzantine Ounces, or an Islamic 1/2 Ratl ("pound"). Intact and choice, the
top side is especially iridescent with vibrant deep violets, turquoise and
azure, accented by a "splash" of bright metallic "peacock" limes, greens, gold
to copper. Rare and seemingly unpublished.
Estimated Value $275-375.
Lot 4816
Lot of Two Inscribed
"Weights" in Green Glass. Islamic, 8th to 12th century AD. Diameters:
1-3/8"; 1-1/8". 1. An official stamp from a measuring vessel bearing the name
of "Ismail ibn Ibrahim," c. 780 AD. The disc is dark green glasss impressed
with a five line inscription in Kufic script. Usual chipping on the back.
Otherwise finely preserved and choice. 2. A double dirham coin weight in lime
green glass issued by the Fatimid Caliph, Al Amir Abu' Ali Al Mansur, c.
1101-11130 AD. A three line and circular legend is deeply impressed in glass
disc. Intact and perfect. Colorful and interesting objects. Cf. Balog 384.
569. The majority of medieval glass weights were struck by the Fatimid Caliphs,
where they appear to have occasionally been used as currency.
Estimated
Value $150-225.
Lot 4817
Two Strands of Beads.
Ancient Near East. Lot of two necklaces of generally ancient to medieval
beads. One is a strand of graduated, faceted carnelian beads, both biconical
and hexagonal, alternating with a triad of cylindrical yellow-gray and light
blue faience beads. There are 39 carnelian beads, plus the tiny faience beads
on a simple cord with an "S"-shaped clasp in gold. The second necklace is
similarly arranged and strung but with graduated beads of dark carnelian. These
alternate with dark blue glass beads with central cylinder in light blue
faience. About 27 carnelian, 28 faience and 54 glass beads strung on a simple
cord with an "S"-shaped clasp in gold.
Estimated Value $250-450.
Lot 4818
Two Additional Strands of
Beads. Ancient Near East. Two decorative, ethnic-style necklaces comprised
of mostly ancient to medieval beads in glass or faience with an additional
necklace in stone. One features Egyptian tubular and discoid faience beads in a
variety of colors with a central bead-pendant in ancient agate. It was
naturally banded to form a protective, amuletic "eye" and is flanked by several
beads in blue glass. The second necklace is a multi-hued stringing of variously
colored glass and stone beads with a central pendant resembling an early
Byzantine cross in bronze (fragmentary).
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 4819
Two More Strands of Beads.
Ancient Near East. Two necklaces. Similar to the previous lot but with
larger and finer beads. One is comprised of a mixture of glass, ceramic and
stone beads arranged in matching pairs: beads are brown, blue, yellow, white,
green, gray, orange and black in color, and range from plain, striated, or
faceted in shape. Material is said to have been found in Israel, around Ayelet
Hashahar Kibbutz, Upper Galilee. The second necklace is like first however the
beads are somewhat smaller and neater and more carefully arranged in graduated
sizes. Again from Ayelet Hashahar Kibbutz, Upper Galilee.
Estimated Value
$200-300.
Lot 4820
Lot of Five Unguentaria,
Some with Fine Iridescence. Roman, c. 1st to 2nd century AD. Heights:
3-3/4" - 5-3/4". All pieces are in pale green, or aqua, glass and in the usual
shapes seen elsewhere in the collection -- with long tubular necks, and
globular, piriform, or hemispherical bodies. The mouths funnel to flat, everted
rolled rims. Two pieces show a silvery-violet iridescence and one has areas of
fairly vivid green with some red-copper hues. All are intact and perfect. A
pleasant group of 5 vials.
Estimated Value $200-400.
Lot 4821
Three Small Delights.
Roman, c. 2nd to 6th century AD. Lengths: 1-3/4" - 13-1/2". 1. A late
version the "date flask" perhaps of Syrian origin circa 4th-6th century with
mold blown textured walls. Featuring a pleasing silver iridescence tending
towards reds and golds. Both mouth and neck have been restored. 2. Next, an
interesting hollow glass stopper in a narrow biconical form highlighted with
choice metallic blue, purple, green, gold and copper iridescence. One end is a
little chipped. 3. Last, a lid or stopper in a flattened conical shape. In
pale, pinkish aubergine hues. With a few small age cracks and subtle
iridescence. Interesting and varied. For stooper, cf. Hayes, ROM, no.
483.
Estimated Value $200-350.
Lot 4822
Lot of Two Lovely Bangles.
Late Roman or early Islamic, c. 5th to 9th century. Widths: 2-3/4"; 2-1/2".
The earliest piece is a simple, thin bangle in dark azure blue. Intact with an
age etched surface that contains sparkling blue-green-copper-silver and purple
iridescence. Said to be from Cyprus. In addition, there is a broad bracelet
from late Roman or early Islamic Egypt. In so-called "crumb" glass technique,
seed-like pieces of opaque, yellow, red, green, and white are fused to the
outer surface of the black bangle. Both intact and without the usual cracks or
chips. A good lot. Cf. G.A.E. Vol. 11, fig. 264d for second.
Estimated
Value $200-300.
Lot 4823
Colorful Group of Three
Small Vials. Byzantine and Islamic, c. 6th to 9th century AD. Heights:
2-3/4" to 4-5/8". All similar forms, these thick bottles are blown in dark
brown, deep aubergine and blue glass. All with narrow funnel mouths, swelled or
folded throats, and inverted, sharply conical bodies. The largest has molded
vertcal ribbing and a cup-like mouth. The aubergine shows careful repair to the
shoulder with a little restoration to mouth. Otherwise, all are finely
preserved. Cf. Sammlung Oppenlander, no 711 for aubergine bottle; Newark, fig.
534.
Estimated Value $150-350.
Lot 4824
Pair of Miniature Bottles.
Early Islamic, c. 8th to 10th century AD. Heights: 2-1/8" (both). 1. A
square-sided little bottle in very thick lime green glass. Neck has been
restored with that from a similar, but paler bottle. 2. An ornate wheel-cut
bottle of a similar shape but in deep azure, almost cobalt blue. With losses to
the neck and some edge chips, but still the bottle has a richly deep metallic
iridescence that gives the bottle an almost insectile appearance. For second,
cf. Carnegie Museum, nos. 259,260.
Estimated Value $100-250.
Lot 4825
Bargain Iridescent Lot.
Roman , 1st to 3rd century AD. 1. Height: 1-1/2". A small ampulla bottle
with an everted mouth reattached to its flattened ovoid body. In clear glass
with choice, thick speckled silver, blue, green, gold and orange-rose
iridescence, much of which appears metallicly bright. 2. Height: 3-1/4". Also,
an unguentarium of an usual shape: the broad and flat rim is reattached to the
neck. Featuring an iridescence of extraordinary, shimmering coppers, golds,
reds, and orange, with additional accents of green and violet. One can ignore
the repairs due to the splendid colors apparent in this pair.
Estimated
Value $175-275.
Lot 4826
Iridescent "Starter Set."
Roman, 1st to 4th century AD. Heights: 1-3/4"; 1-1/8". 1. A squat
unguentarium with a narrow cylinder neck and flared out body. Crafted in green
glass with a splendid "peacock" iridescence in mottled gold, silver, purple,
green and blue. Pastiche. 2. A small shallow dish comprised of two vessel bases
glued togther. This too with fine golden, green and blue iridescence.
Decorative and colorful.
Estimated Value $175-300.
Lot 4827
Ancient Glass "Starter
Set." Roman, 1st to 4th century AD. Heights: 2-5/8" - 3-7/8". Lot of 4
pieces. The earliest piece is a ball flask in bright azure blue with a thin
cylinder neck, its body trailed in white threading. The vessel shows extensive
restorations. In addition, there are two unguentaria with cylinder necks and
globular bodies; one is a pastiche with a chipped rim. Finally, there is a late
Roman miniature amphoriskos with a footed base, threading around the body and
twin handles. The mouth is a replacement.
Estimated Value $175-275.
Lot 4828
Lot of Three Interesting,
Good-sized Vessels, all Repaired. Roman Asia Minor, 1st to 4th century AD.
Heights: 1-3/4" - 6-1/2". 1. First a stylish cup in pale yellow glass. It
is thick and robust and of a broad, low form, with a thick everted rim and
covex sides. It has a folded, and encircling ridge beneath the rim, a carinated
bottom, and a shallow ring foot. With choice thick silvery patina, the piece
glistens with hints of violet, red, green, and olive. 2. Also included is a
funnel-mouth flask in pale green glass. The mouth graduates into a
medium-lengthed neck which widens into a conical-piriform body. This piece also
features a thick to thin silvery iridescence with stronger overtones of violet,
red, and green. 3. Lastly, a cylindrical necked flask. The hemishperical body
has been mold blown with melon-like vertical ribbing. With faint hints of
iridescence. All with obvious repairs and/or restoration. Nice, decorative and
less common shapes.
Estimated Value $350-UP.
Lot 4829
A Lot of Two: an Ampulla
Bottle and a Footed Bowl. Roman, 2nd to 3rd Century AD. Heights: 1-5/8";
6". 1. This small footed bowl in light green glass has a flaring rim, tapering
convex walls and folded ring foot. 2. A bottle in clear or pale yellow has a
long cylindrical neck which is constricted at its base and sits atop a body
which is a truncated and inverted drop shape. The bowl has a fine and vivid
iridescence underneath a cleanable earthen patina, while the bottle is only
slightly iridescent. Both have repairs or modest restoration.
Estimated
Value $150-250.
Lot 4830
Two Unusual Bottles.
Roman, c. 2nd to 3rd century AD. AD. Heights: 4-5/8" (both). Lot of two
restored and enhanced bottles, both with large globular bodies and narrow
cylinder necks. One has been restored into a janiform type bottle, but with
three faces instead. The second has added "glass trailings. Still, both show
some nice iridescence, in addition to being educational.
Estimated Value
$100-250.
Lot 4831
Lot of Two Restored
Bottles. Roman, c. 2nd to 4th century AD. Heights: 4"; 5-5/8". 1. A little
footed juglet, with broad neck and piriform body. 2. The larger piece is a
pleasing twin-handled ampulla vase with a wide mouth. Both have extensive
repairs and restorations. With some colorful iridescence and thus very
displayable.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 4832
Lot of Two Restored
Bottles. Roman, c. 2nd to 4th century AD. Heights: 4"; 5-3/4". Lot of two.
The first is a footed twin-handle vase with a funnel mouth, pirform body, and
cylinder foot. Accompanied by a "glass thread" decorated unguentarium of usual
form but with twin handles and short foot. Both show repairs and restoration,
and reconstruction. Still, both have areas of fine scattered copper, green,
blue and purple iridescence.
Estimated Value $100-250.
Lot 4833
Lot of Two: a Beaker &
Bottle, with Repairs. Roman, c. 3rd to 5th century AD. Heights: 5-3/8"; 4".
1. Ampulla type bottle in a heavy aqua glass with a piriform shaped body. The
piece has a narrow neck and rounded cup-like mouth. With areas of whitish
patina and colorful thin silver-violet to blue, green, and red iridescence. 2.
Beaker in attractive leaf green glass. The piece is a conical form with a
rounded and lightly flared rim. With a fine silvery iridescence comparable to
the former piece. Both show stabilized cracks, repairs, and/or restoration.
Nevertheless, the pair is attractive and displayable. Cf. G.A.E. Vol. 1, p.
296, also fig. 50j.
Estimated Value $150-350.
Lot 4834
Goblet in Aqua Glass.
Roman, c. 4th to 6th century AD. Height: 3-1/4". Interesting fantasy goblet
composed of three pieces of thick, heavy, late Roman glass. The body is
comprised of the flared feet of two vessels, while the interesting ribbed stem
derives from a third piece. With occasional areas of intense, colorful
iridescence.
Estimated Value $175-250.
Ex Ainley Collection; Malter
XXXVIII, lot 74.
Lot 4835
Islamic "Pitcher." Persia
or Egypt, c. 8th to 10th century AD. Height: 4-5/8". Pastiche vessel
consisting of the upper half a colorful pitcher in blue. The bottom has been
"restored" with the base of a green vessel that features swirls of vivid,
metallic iridescence in violets, blues, coppers, and bronze. A different, eye
catching decorator piece.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Ex Ainley
Collection; Malter XXXVIII, lot 84.
Lot 4836
"Pitcher" with Vivid
Iridescence. Persia, c. 8th to 12th century AD. Height: 4-1/4". This
pastiche vessel is composed of pieces from from five or six vessels. Crafted in
very thick glass the piece ranges in color from aqua to azure, to deep emerald
green. With areas of exceptionally fine and intense iridescence. A colorful
decorator piece.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Ex Ainley Collection;
Malter XXXVIII, lot 85.
Lot 4837
Islamic "Vase." Persia, c.
11th to 12 century AD. Height: 3-7/8". Pastiche. The neck and shoulders of
an ornate bottle in heavy green glass has been married to the faceted base of a
vessel in deep blue. The upper part has a marvelous, jewel-like iridescence in
violets, blues, coppers, and reds. A nifty little decorator piece, and a
wistful rembrance of what it could have been.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Ex Ainley Collection; Malter XXXVIII, lot 89.