A delicate Roman light blue-green glass sprinkler flask. The vessel features a concave base, globular body, a cylindrical neck with a slight constriction at its base, wide mouth and rolled rim. Inside the flask, within the neck, there is a folded diaphragm with a constricted opening; such hole would have allowed precious liquids, such as perfumed oil for beautification, to be used sparingly. The body of the vessel is piriform and narrows down slightly towards the base. A thick handle has been applied from the base of the neck to the underside of the rim. The glass displays earthy encrustations, and minor weathering, consistent with age. The vessel is able to stand unassisted. Glass was often the preferred material for storing expensive oils, perfumes, and medicines because it was not porous. The small body and mouth allowed the user carefully to pour and control the amount of liquid dispensed. 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. These small glass bottles are found frequently at Hellenistic and Roman sites, especially in cemeteries, and the liquids which filled them would have been gathered from all corners of the expansive Roman Empire. Measurements: H 11.5cm x W 5.5cm Provenance: Ex London Art Market, acquired 1980s-90s.