Lot 127

ROMAN GLASS RHYTON
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, 4TH - 5TH CENTURY A.D.

Auction: 13 March 2025 from 13:00 GMT
£3,276
Description
cast glass, curved vessel tapering to a wide flaring mouth, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
22.4cm long
Provenance
Private collection, United Kingdom, acquired from Ancient and Oriental
Footnote
There is some debate among scholars regarding the function of these rare and distinctive objects. Some argue that their form, with a flaring mouth and elongated body, resembles traditional drinking or pouring vessels, suggesting a ceremonial or decorative purpose. Others propose that their shape, along with known examples of ancient glass horns, indicates they were intended as wind instruments, possibly used in rituals.
