No. 106592685

Roman Empire “The Rainbow Vessel” — Ancient Iridescent Glass Unguentarium with Magnificent Multicoloured Patina (No reserve price)
No. 106592685

Roman Empire “The Rainbow Vessel” — Ancient Iridescent Glass Unguentarium with Magnificent Multicoloured Patina (No reserve price)
A beautiful and highly atmospheric Roman glass bottle, measuring approximately 61 mm in height, with a rounded globular body and an elegant elongated cylindrical neck.
The most captivating feature is the remarkable ancient iridescence covering much of the surface. Centuries of burial and natural weathering have created shifting tones of gold, turquoise, blue, green, violet and rose, producing an almost rainbow-like appearance. Darker mineral and earthen encrustations remain across the body, giving the vessel a particularly authentic archaeological character.
The simple globular body and narrow neck are characteristic of small Roman vessels intended to contain precious liquids. Bottles of this general form are often described as unguentaria or cosmetic/toiletry vessels, associated with perfumes, scented oils, medicines or other valuable preparations.
The combination of the compact form, surviving ancient surface and especially vivid iridescence makes this a very decorative example of ancient glass.
Culture: Roman
Object: Small bottle / flask / unguentarium
Material: Glass
Height: approx. 61 mm
Surface: Strong multicoloured iridescence with ancient deposits and weathering
Condition: Archaeological condition with surface weathering, deposits and age-related irregularities; please refer carefully to the photographs.
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