A Marble Cinerarium, Roman Imperial, Julio-claudian, circa early 1st Century A.D.

of rectangular temple-like form with ashlar masonry and three fluted Ionic pilasters on each side, and façade engraved with two lines of Latin inscription translating "(To the Spirits of the Departed of) P. Licinius Bithus," the pediment decorated in low relief with two birds picking from a fruit basket, the gabled roof with rows of overlapping echeloned leaf-shaped tiles.



This piece is shown in situ in Hamburg in the 1930s in the lower right portion of the black and white alternate image for this lot.

German private collection, Hamburg, 1930s
Hôtel des Ventes, Geneva, September 29th, 2010, no. 780, illus.

As shown, minor chips, scratches, and areas of light incrustation and pitting, side not shown in much the same condition as side shown in photo except for fragmentary acroterion, back left undecorated, lead fasteners preserved on both front and back but broken, surface covered with modern dirt and nicotine especially top of lid.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The name Bithus, which is of Thracian origin (see D. Detschew, Die Thrakischen Sprachreste, Vienna, 1957, pp. 66-68), was a popular name among slaves in Rome (see H. Solin, Stadtrömischen Sklavennamen, vol. 3, Stuttgart, 1996, p. 609) and indicates that the deceased came from a family of freedmen. For similar urns in the form of temples combining pilasters and ashlar masonry, all of them dating to the early Imperial period, see F. Sinn, Römische Marmorurnen, Mainz am Rhein, 1987, pls. 6a and 14e, and Sotheby's, New York, December 5th, 2007, no. 82 (Claudian).