A Greek ceramics winged sea horse. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the seahorse was an attribute of the sea god Neptune/Poseidon and as such, the seahorse was considered a symbol of strength and power.
REFERENCE #
SI_GR_1028
CIVILIZATION
Greek, 400 B.C.E.
SIZE
L. 15 cm CONDITION
Fine condition, right leg, tip of left leg, and some tips of the wings are missing .
This elegant translucent alabaster perfume flask exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of Israelite artisans of the Iron Age, First Temple Period. Crafted from fine, translucent alabaster, the flask presents an ovoid body with a narrow, well‑formed neck and a gently everted mouth, its surface smoothly polished to reveal the subtle veining and soft luminosity of the stone.
The most striking feature of the flask is its delicate, refined profile and the way the translucent material captures and diffuses light, lending a quiet, luminous quality to the form. The workmanship demonstrates mastery of stone‑carving techniques, with a precise, symmetrical shape and a satin finish that highlights the inherent beauty of the alabaster. Any surviving tool marks are minimal and secondary to the overall polished presentation.
This object likely served both personal and ritual functions, used to contain precious oils or perfumes for daily grooming, anointing, or sacred ceremonies. Its refined material and careful execution reflect the value placed on aromatic substances in Israelite society and suggest ownership by an individual of some standing. Found in Jerusalem. Iron Age, First Temple Period (circa 10th–6th centuries BCE).
This elegant ribbed glass bowl exemplifies the artistry and technical skill of early Roman glassmakers. Crafted from a rare aubergine-hued soda‑lime glass, the bowl presents a gently flared rim and a rounded, harmonious profile with a lustrous, weathered surface that reveals a rich, multicolored iridescence developed through centuries of natural burial conditions. Measuring approximately [dimensions available on request], it is a compact yet striking domestic vessel.
The most striking feature of the bowl is its pronounced vertical ribbing, which encircles the body and lends a rhythmic, tactile quality to the form. Two finely incised concentric lines around the midsection provide an elegant counterpoint to the ribs, demonstrating careful finishing by hand. The surface iridescence, a product of long-term chemical interaction rather than modern treatment, enhances the deep aubergine tone and accentuates the delicate interplay of light across the exterior.
The workmanship shows mastery of early glass techniques—likely mold‑forming for the ribbed body with subsequent hand incision—resulting in crisp, well-executed details and a smoothly rendered rim. The uncommon deep purple color and strong iridescent sheen mark this piece as a particularly refined example of provincial Roman glass production.
Likely used for both every day and display purposes, this bowl would have served as a functional domestic vessel and possibly as a valued item within a household’s tableware. Its durable glass, sophisticated surface effects, and rare coloration reflect both the aesthetic sensibilities and material culture of the early Imperial period. Found in Sabaste; early Roman, ca. 1st century AD.REFERENCE #