Ancient Roman, Empire Glass Vessel - 5.8 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 210 - € 250
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Roman glass unguentarium of piriform form in pale green glass with iridescence and mineral deposits, 5.8 cm high, 3.4 cm diameter, dating to the 1st–4th century AD, in good used condition with signs of age, provenance France with a prior French private collection and a CoA available by email.
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Description from the seller
Roman Glass Unguentarium – 1st–4th Century AD
A delicate free-blown Roman glass unguentarium of classic piriform form, featuring a rounded bulbous body, gently constricted neck, and elegantly flaring folded rim. Crafted in naturally translucent pale green glass, the vessel displays extensive iridescence together with attractive earthy mineral deposits accumulated during centuries of burial. Its balanced proportions and refined simplicity exemplify the remarkable skill achieved by Roman glassmakers following the widespread adoption of glassblowing during the early Imperial period.
Unguentaria such as this were among the most common glass vessels produced throughout the Roman Empire. They were primarily intended for storing perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics, medicinal preparations, and precious unguents used in both daily life and funerary rituals. Their lightweight construction, economical manufacture, and elegant appearance made them widely accessible across all levels of Roman society, while examples were frequently deposited as grave offerings throughout the provinces. The vessel remains a fine representative of Roman utilitarian glassware, preserving its original form together with a beautifully weathered archaeological surface.
Material: Glass
Dimensions: 5.8 cm height
Weight: 15.19 g
Provenance: Acquired in France. Former French private collection assembled during the 1970’s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Roman Glass Unguentarium – 1st–4th Century AD
A delicate free-blown Roman glass unguentarium of classic piriform form, featuring a rounded bulbous body, gently constricted neck, and elegantly flaring folded rim. Crafted in naturally translucent pale green glass, the vessel displays extensive iridescence together with attractive earthy mineral deposits accumulated during centuries of burial. Its balanced proportions and refined simplicity exemplify the remarkable skill achieved by Roman glassmakers following the widespread adoption of glassblowing during the early Imperial period.
Unguentaria such as this were among the most common glass vessels produced throughout the Roman Empire. They were primarily intended for storing perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics, medicinal preparations, and precious unguents used in both daily life and funerary rituals. Their lightweight construction, economical manufacture, and elegant appearance made them widely accessible across all levels of Roman society, while examples were frequently deposited as grave offerings throughout the provinces. The vessel remains a fine representative of Roman utilitarian glassware, preserving its original form together with a beautifully weathered archaeological surface.
Material: Glass
Dimensions: 5.8 cm height
Weight: 15.19 g
Provenance: Acquired in France. Former French private collection assembled during the 1970’s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1st to 4th Century AD
Acquired from
Auction house
Material
Glass
Year acquired
2026
Country of origin
Unknown
Country acquired from
France
Height
5.8 cm
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Width
3.4 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Depth
3.4 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
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.
