Roman Glass Sprinkler Flask - Gorgeous Iridescence

**First Time At Auction**

Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A gorgeous mold-blown glass sprinkler flask presenting a mesmerizing honeycomb pattern interspersed with concentric circular motifs and beautiful seafoam green hues with rainbow iridescence. The vessel has a piriform body with a constricted sprinkler hole at the cylindrical neck, and a dramatically flaring mouth that splays to a wide rim. Sprinkler vases were used to apply precious scented rose water or perfumes. Beyond the graceful form, brilliant coloring, and expert technique required to create it, time has also contributed to this vessel's aesthetic as areas of silvery and rainbow iridescence delight the eye! Size: 4.625" H (11.7 cm)

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, the Romans invented glass blowing in the 1st century BCE which 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 than metal or clay. Roman glassmakers reached incredible artistic heights with both free-blown vessels and mold blown forms and decorations.

Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, purchased at the Archaeological Center auction, Tel Aviv, Israel (January 20, 2010, lot 100); ex-Gershon Bineth collection, Israel

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#151616
Condition Report: Chip to rim as shown. Otherwise excellent. Expected weathering film and AMAZING rainbow iridescence.