Ancient Roman Glass Unguentarium






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Ancient Roman glass unguentarium in transluscent pale blue, circa 1st–4th century AD, waisted piriform body with a long cylindrical neck and everted folded rim, good condition, height about 10.6 cm and width 2.5 cm, with earth encrustations and iridescence, from a private collection.
Description from the seller
A very fine Roman glass unguentarium blown from transluscent pale blue glass. The vessel features a waisted piriform body with a constriction at the base of the long cylindrical neck and an everted, folded rim. The base is slightly concave. Earthly encrustations to the surface and some iridescence. A very pleasing and delicate vessel.
Unguentaria were amongst the most common objects of Roman blown glass: produced in large numbers, they were items of every day use for keeping expensive unguents and cosmetic oils. 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. The small body and mouth allowed the user carefully to pour and control the amount of liquid dispensed, and glass was the material of choice for storing the oils because it was not porous.
Measurements: Circa H 10.6cm x W 2.5cm
Provenance: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Seller's Story
A very fine Roman glass unguentarium blown from transluscent pale blue glass. The vessel features a waisted piriform body with a constriction at the base of the long cylindrical neck and an everted, folded rim. The base is slightly concave. Earthly encrustations to the surface and some iridescence. A very pleasing and delicate vessel.
Unguentaria were amongst the most common objects of Roman blown glass: produced in large numbers, they were items of every day use for keeping expensive unguents and cosmetic oils. 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. The small body and mouth allowed the user carefully to pour and control the amount of liquid dispensed, and glass was the material of choice for storing the oils because it was not porous.
Measurements: Circa H 10.6cm x W 2.5cm
Provenance: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Seller's Story
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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.
