Ancient Roman Ancient Terracotta Unguentarium (Balsamarium) - 16 cm
15
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08
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€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 250 - € 330
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This Ancient Roman terracotta unguentarium (balsamarium), dating from the 1st–3rd centuries AD, measures 16 × 6 × 6 cm and has a slender pear-shaped body, long cylindrical neck and flaring rim.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ancient terracotta unguentarium (balsamarium) featuring a slender pear-shaped body, a long cylindrical neck, and a slightly flaring disc-shaped rim. The small foot is only subtly defined. Fine horizontal wheel marks visible on the neck and body attest to its manufacture on a potter's wheel.
This elegant vessel represents a classic unguentarium, a type widely used throughout the Eastern Mediterranean during the Hellenistic and Early Roman periods. Such vessels were intended for storing precious oils, perfumes, ointments, and cosmetic preparations. They were also commonly placed in burials as grave offerings, symbolizing purification, protection, and the care of the deceased in the afterlife.
The surface retains an attractive reddish-orange slip with authentic age-related wear, mineral encrustations, and a well-developed archaeological patina. Minor abrasions and small surface chips are consistent with age and long-term burial.
Condition: Very good archaeological condition with age-related wear, minor surface abrasions, mineral deposits, and an attractive natural patina.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Ancient terracotta unguentarium (balsamarium) featuring a slender pear-shaped body, a long cylindrical neck, and a slightly flaring disc-shaped rim. The small foot is only subtly defined. Fine horizontal wheel marks visible on the neck and body attest to its manufacture on a potter's wheel.
This elegant vessel represents a classic unguentarium, a type widely used throughout the Eastern Mediterranean during the Hellenistic and Early Roman periods. Such vessels were intended for storing precious oils, perfumes, ointments, and cosmetic preparations. They were also commonly placed in burials as grave offerings, symbolizing purification, protection, and the care of the deceased in the afterlife.
The surface retains an attractive reddish-orange slip with authentic age-related wear, mineral encrustations, and a well-developed archaeological patina. Minor abrasions and small surface chips are consistent with age and long-term burial.
Condition: Very good archaeological condition with age-related wear, minor surface abrasions, mineral deposits, and an attractive natural patina.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1st–3rd Century AD
Name of object
Ancient Terracotta Unguentarium (Balsamarium)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
16 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
6 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
6 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
