Ancient Roman Glass Unguentarium (No Reserve Price)

An elegant ancient Roman glass unguentarium, blown from glass that is now dark with earthly encrustation. The vessel features a piriform-shaped body, a long cylindrical neck and an everted, folded rim. The base is flattened. Iridescence along with earthly encrustation to the surface.

Unguentaria were amongst the most common objects of Roman blown glass: produced in large numbers, they were items of every day use for keeping expensive unguents and cosmetic oils. By the 1st century AD, the technique of glass-blowing had revolutionised the art of glass-making, allowing for the production of small medicine, incense, and perfume containers in new forms. The small body and mouth allowed the user carefully to pour and control the amount of liquid dispensed, and glass was the material of choice for storing the oils because it was not porous.

Measurements: Circa H 7. 1cm x W 4. 5cm

Provenance: Ex London Art Market, acquired 1980s-90s.