Ancient Roman Glass Rare Aubergine Janus Flask

A rare example of Ancient Roman glass flask, mould-blown in a translucent aubergine colour. The flask features a rounded body leading to a short cylindrical neck and a folded rim with a spout. Unlike the usual form of two identical plump-faced heads, the body resembles a single head with elaborate detailing including a finely mounded facical features and curly hair represented by raised blobs. The figure can be identified with the Roman god Janus. According to Graeco-Roman mythology and culture, Janus was one of the oldest and most important divinities. He was the god of beginnings, and usually depicted with two faces, in order to look towards both the future and the past. A single handle has been applied from the rim to the shoulder, on the back of the head. The base of the vessel is flat and rounded. The piece has been repaired and displays cracks below the handle.

The Romans loved glass for its practical as well as decorative uses. Glass bottles, such as this beautiful example, were used as containers for ointments, powders, balms, and other expensive liquids associated with the toilet, especially perfumes: the small mouth of the bottle is ideal for slow, careful pouring, while glass was preferred for holding liquids, due to its non-porous, non-absorbent nature. Glass vessels are found frequently at Hellenistic and Roman sites, especially in cemeteries, and the liquids that filled them would have been gathered from all corners of the expansive Roman Empire.

Measurements: W 4. 5 cm x H 7. 9 cm

Provenance: Ex private collection, SM, London, 1970-1999.