Ancient Roman Glass Sprinkler Flask

02
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09
hours
01
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42
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Current bid
€ 100
Reserve price not met
Peter Reynaers
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 300 - € 380
10 other people are watching this object
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€100
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€90
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€2

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Ancient Roman glass sprinkler flask dating to circa 1st–3rd century AD, in very good condition, height 11.5 cm and width 5.5 cm, authentic/original, acquired from a private collection and provenance Ex London Art Market (acquired 2000).

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

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.

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

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.

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Details

Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
Circa 1st-3rd Century AD
Name of object
Sprinkler Flask
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Glass
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
United KingdomVerified
9152
Objects sold
100%
protop

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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