Roman Rock Crystal Amphoriskos

2nd-4th century AD. A rock crystal miniature jar with squat body, flared base with concentric rings to the underside, broad mouth with chamfered rim, two strap handles to the shoulders. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] 83 grams, 60mm (2 1/4"). Property of a Bristol collector; formerly part of his father's collection formed between 1960-late 1970s, supplied with geologic report No. TL005217, by geologic consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz. The amphoriskos would have held perfume or scented oil that would have been made from expensive and exotic ingredients to match the container. Many perfumes would have been traded along the so-called 'Incense Road', a trade route that went from Yemen and Arabia to the cosmopolitan cities of the Mediterranean. Other ingredients for perfume were mainly home-grown flowers such as iris and marjoram, roses, lilies, and violets. Perfume was worn by both men and women and was central to cult worship as it was seen as pleasing to the gods and able to win their favour.
Condition Report: Very fine condition.