A77_Alte Waffen

lised busts of three emperors crowned with diadems. Beginning to the

right of the handle and ending to the left, a four-line inscription names

the three emperors, Arcadius, Honorius and Theodosius II, the son of

Arcadius: DDDNNNARCADIOETHONORIO / ET THEODOSIO

HAC TRIVMFATORIS SSS / PPP AVGVS (palm leaf) SECSTA-

RIVM EXAGIALEM / VNC XXIIII. The retrograde letter “S”. The

period of the cup’s manufacture may be dated between 402 – 408 A.D.

Theodosius II was proclaimed co-Augustus in 402 A.D. in infancy; on

his father’s death in 408, he became sole Emperor of the Eastern Roman

Empire at the age of seven.

In its current state, the shape of the cup is clearly reminiscent of an Islamic

mortar, the two being very similar in design, both in terms of size and the

thickness of the walls. One would expect a measuring cup to be strictly

cylindrical. Together with the camber of the base, the slight widening at

the opening and at the curve towards the base indicate typical signs of wear

and tear and deformations, which would occur as a result of blows to the

opening and base when using a pestle in amortar of this size andmay inde-

ed be attributed to this manner of use. At any rate, the outstanding condi-

tion of the measuring cup, which was however probably slightly modified

at a later date, allows an approximate indication of its volume (sextari-

us). The fact that its exact age can be determined, the excellent condition

and the inscription stating the measure of capacity and weigh all make

the object a significant monument to the metrology and administrative

history of late antiquity. Dark green patina with slight incrustation. Mi-

nimal knocks, otherwise fully intact. The top line of the inscription worn

in places, particularly the upper half of the lettering, the lower three lines

perfectly legible. The handle loose, but clearly matching. Height of the

cup, not including handle, 12.8 cm. Height of the handle 14.5 cm. Height

with adjusted handle 15.9 cm. Diameter of the opening 10.5 x 10.8 cm.

rovenance

South German private collection, inherited from the old

family estate.

240386

II -

€ 8.000

3076