Roman Glass Double Unguentarium w/ Cobalt Handle

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 4th century CE. A stunning, free-blown glass double unguentarium comprised of a conjoined pair of tubular chambers with folded rims - both unguents further adorned by threadlike trails of aqua blue glass spiraling around the forms. Twin handles comprised of thick trails of dark blue glass join rim to shoulders, and finally an overlaid triangular basket handle also comprised of dark blue glass rises dramatically above the body. Layers of faint silvery iridescence finely accentuate the vessel's palette of vibrant colors. Size: 3.75" W x 7.5" H (9.5 cm x 19 cm); 7.75" H (19.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Cosmetics were coveted by the wealthy in ancient Rome. A vessel like this would have held pigmented powders, paints, or scented oils that both women and men used to enhance their beauty. According to scholars, servants would apply make-up, jewelry, and scents to their masters twice a day: first in the morning, and later after a trip to the bathhouse to freshen up for the evening meal.

Most scholars agree, Roman glass was of the highest quality - both aesthetically and technically - among the ancients. While glass making had been practiced for centuries, glass blowing was invented in the Roman-controlled Holy Land in the 1st century BCE. This innovative technology revolutionized the artform. We can appreciate such a wide variety of forms and shapes, because the medium of glass has unique physical properties that make for so many more possibilities which would eventually replace a wide variety of pottery and metal wares in the ancient world. Roman glassmakers reached incredible artistic heights with both free-blown vessels and mold blown forms and decorations and were traded far beyond the Roman Empire. Roman glass vessels have been found in Scandinavia, India, and in Han Dynasty tombs in China.

For a stylistically-similar example without a basket handle, please see the Dallas Museum of Art, object number 1967.12.15

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#152942
Condition Report: Repairs to areas of handle, with petite chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Abrasions and encrustations to body, handle, and within cavities, and minor weathering film. Light earthen deposits and iridescence throughout.