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Peter Reynaers

An ancient Roman double balsamarium, blown from translucent glass with a light green hue. The vessel is composed of two co-joined tubular phials, that taper in towards the small mouths, and widens towards a rounded base. The body is decorated with an applied single fine trail, wound in a spiral around body, ending below the rim. Two small handles, applied to the everted rims, curve down to meet the shoulders. Earthly encrustations, slight iridescence, and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor scratches, cracks, and chips, to the surface. The piece is mounted on a custom-made stand. 

The balsamarium is a variant of the typical Roman glass unguentarium. Produced in large numbers, they were items of every day use for holding and storing perfumed oils, as well as other expensive liquids and powders. 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. Glass was often the preferred material for storing oils because it was not porous. These small glass bottles are found frequently at Hellenistic and Roman sites, especially in cemeteries, and the perfumes which filled them would have been gathered from all corners of the expansive Roman Empire.

Measurements: (circa) with stand H 13.3cm x L 4.7cm x W 3.6cm; alone H 10.6cm x W 3.7cm 

Provenance: From an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s.

Circa 3rd-4th Century AD

Ancient Roman Glass Double Balsamarium

Whisky

Reserve price

No reserve price

Budget

From

Closing date

tomorrow

2 August

1 August

today

Monday

Wednesday

Tuesday

Friday

Thursday

3 August

Location

Germany

Italy

The Netherlands

France

Belgium

Taiwan

Spain

Poland

Portugal

Ireland

Japan

Austria

United States

Denmark

United Kingdom

Hong Kong

Slovak Republic

Andorra

Switzerland

Sweden

Bulgaria

Czech Republic

Greece

Luxembourg

Malta

Brand

Macallan

Johnnie Walker

Jack Daniel's

Hibiki

Glenfiddich

Ardbeg

Springbank

Lochlea

Bowmore

Yamazaki

Highland Park

Laphroaig

Caperdonich

Bruichladdich

Glenmorangie

Caol Ila

Glenturret

Lagavulin

Dalmore

Talisker

Chichibu

Cardhu

Arran

Balvenie

Royal Salute

Object

Single malt whisky

Scotch whisky

Blended whisky

Japanese whisky

Bourbon whiskey

Tennessee whiskey

Malt whisky

Blended malt whisky

Irish whiskey

American whiskey

Flask

Pure malt

Rye whisky

Advertising sign

Decanter

Whisky glass

Blended malt

Cradle

Liquor set

Country of origin

Scotland

Speyside

Islay

Highlands

Lowlands

Campbeltown

Orkney

Isle of Skye

Isle of Arran

England

Norway

Isle of Jura

Canada

Israel

Wales

Isle of Harris

Bottle size

70cl

700ml

75cl

750ml

1 Litre

50cl

20cl

35cl

2 Litres

180ml

1.5 Litres

660ml

95cl

4.5 Litres

4.7cl

37.5cl

75.7cl

Material

Glass

Wood

Metal

Steel

Plastic

Copper

Leather

Condition

As new - unused

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Period

2020s

2010s

1970s

1990s

1980s

2000s

1960s

2020+

1960-1970

1970-1980

2022

2021

2000-2010

1950s

Style

Contemporary

Vintage

Chic

Colour

Transparent

Silver

Black

Brown

Gold

Green

Beige

Alcohol Percent List

57.1%

48.3%

45.8%

46.6%

58.4%

46.5%

48.5%

54.2%

44.9%

55.8%

58.7%

46.9%

47.8%

After 2000

1900-2000

Original/ Replica

Original/official

Bottler

Whisky

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Ancient Roman Glass Double Balsamarium

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