Egypt, Ptolemaic to early Romano-Egyptian period, ca. 332 BCE to first half of 1st century CE. A lovely ensemble of sixteen inlay fragments composed via the mosaic and millefiori techniques in a plethora of vibrant colors. Four large mosaic fragments are constructed of primarily crimson-hued glass with horizontal stripes in beige, black, and blue hues. Six petite mosaic fragments display incredible rainbow-hued iridescence. One fragment is primarily of a red hue with a single yellow corner, and one beige-hued fragment reveals a stunning aqua-blue interior color. Three round-topped fragments were formed via the millefiori technique and perhaps were parts of a raised figure, and a gorgeous blue-and-yellow mosaic fragment features a spotted motif and a narrow white-and-black central stripe. Size of largest (fragment w/ stripes): 1.9" L x 0.75" W (4.8 cm x 1.9 cm)
For a wonderful example of glass inlays inserted into a wooden coffin, please see: Stern, E. Marianne and Birgit Schlick-Nolte. "Early Glass of the Ancient World: 1600 B.C. - A.D. 50 | Ernesto Wolf Collection." Verlag Gerd Hatje, Germany, 1994, p. 60, fig. 90.
Provenance: ex-Dr. Sid Port collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1970s; ex-Norman Blankman collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 1950s in Cairo, Egypt
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#153326
Condition
All items are fragments of larger glass compositions and have been professionally cleaned and conserved. Repairs to one large rectangular piece and blue-and-yellow fragment, with light adhesive residue along break lines. All items have minor nicks and abrasions to peripheries and faces, with light encrustations, and minor fading and darkening to some original colors. Light earthen deposits and wonderful rainbow iridescence throughout.