Roman Empire Glass Iridescent Glass Unguentarium — Exquisite Perfume Flask, 12 - 12 cm (No reserve price)
06
days
14
hours
45
minutes
51
seconds
Current bid
€ 50
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 650 - € 800
 | €50 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €47 | |
| €5 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 145414 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Roman Empire glass unguentarium, titled “The Perfume of Empresses”, circa 1st–4th century AD, with iridescent surface and a height of 12 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An exceptionally elegant Roman-style glass perfume vessel, distinguished by its graceful elongated silhouette and extraordinary rainbow-like iridescence. Entitled “The Perfume of Empresses,” this captivating object evokes the luxurious beauty rituals of imperial Rome, when precious fragrances, aromatic oils, and delicate perfumes were treasured symbols of refinement and elegance.
Entitled “The Perfume of Empresses,” this exquisite glass unguentarium evokes the luxurious beauty rituals of imperial Rome, when precious fragrances, aromatic oils, and delicate perfumes were treasured expressions of femininity, refinement, elegance, and personal luxury.
Its remarkable spindle-shaped form and luminous, jewel-like surface create an object of extraordinary visual charm, recalling the sophisticated world of Roman aristocratic women and the timeless fascination with beauty and fragrance.
The Perfume of Empresses — Beauty and Luxury in Ancient Rome
In the magnificent world of imperial Rome, perfumes and aromatic oils occupied a special place in the daily rituals of wealthy and aristocratic women.
Precious fragrances, often prepared from exotic flowers, aromatic resins, herbs, and imported oils, were associated with elegance, personal adornment, and refined living.
Roman women used scented oils and perfumes during bathing, grooming, celebrations, and important social occasions.
Among the most celebrated figures of Roman imperial society were empresses and noblewomen whose elaborate hairstyles, luxurious jewellery, and sophisticated beauty practices became symbols of status and refinement.
Delicate glass vessels known as unguentaria were used throughout the Roman world to contain perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics, and other valuable liquid preparations.
The present vessel beautifully evokes this fascinating tradition, offering a romantic connection to the elegance and luxurious atmosphere of ancient Roman life.
An Extraordinary Spindle-Shaped Silhouette
One of the most remarkable characteristics of this glass vessel is its exceptionally graceful and unusual form.
The body begins with a long, slender cylindrical neck, terminating in a beautifully flared circular mouth with a carefully defined rim.
Below the neck, the glass gradually expands into an elegant bulbous chamber before narrowing into an extraordinarily long, delicate, pointed terminal.
The completely closed pointed base creates a striking spindle-shaped silhouette, reminiscent of a suspended drop of precious perfume.
This elegant construction gives the vessel an almost sculptural appearance, combining delicate proportions with a harmonious flowing outline.
Measuring approximately 12 cm in length, the object possesses a refined and distinctive profile, particularly attractive when viewed from different angles.
A Symphony of Iridescent Colours
Perhaps the most breathtaking feature of this remarkable vessel is its extraordinary multicoloured iridescence.
Across the glass surface appears a captivating interplay of shimmering colours:
Silvery Blue: Delicate metallic reflections reminiscent of moonlight upon polished silver.
Turquoise and Emerald Green: Luminous aquatic tones that bring freshness and remarkable depth to the surface.
Soft Violet and Lavender: Subtle purple reflections creating an enchanting, almost opalescent appearance.
Golden Amber: Warm, radiant highlights that contrast beautifully with the cooler blue and violet tones.
These colours change with the direction of the light, giving the vessel an extraordinary jewel-like appearance.
The iridescence is accompanied by areas of warm orange-brown deposits and textured surface alteration, creating a fascinating contrast between the translucent glass and its richly coloured exterior.
Such rainbow-like effects are known from archaeological glass, where chemical alteration of the surface can produce delicate layers that reflect light in different colours.
The precise origin and age of the iridescence on this particular vessel have not been independently established.
The Art of Ancient Glassmaking
Glassmaking reached remarkable levels of sophistication during the Roman period, when skilled artisans produced an extraordinary variety of bottles, flasks, drinking vessels, and luxury containers.
The development and widespread use of glassblowing allowed craftsmen to create increasingly delicate and elegant forms.
Small perfume vessels were particularly admired for their practicality and beauty, often combining narrow necks, carefully shaped bodies, and graceful proportions.
The elongated profile of this example recalls the artistic elegance of ancient glass perfume containers, while its distinctive pointed terminal gives it an especially unusual and captivating character.
A Jewel of Timeless Elegance
Beyond its possible historical function, this remarkable glass vessel possesses exceptional decorative appeal.
Its graceful proportions, luminous iridescent colours, and delicate pointed silhouette create an object that resembles a precious jewel fashioned from glass.
The shimmering surface evokes the beauty of pearls, moonlight, and precious gemstones, while the elegant form recalls the refinement of ancient perfumery.
Whether appreciated as a collectible glass object, a historical-style perfume vessel, or an elegant decorative treasure, “The Perfume of Empresses” beautifully captures the enduring relationship between fragrance, beauty, luxury, and artistic craftsmanship.
Object Details
Object: Elongated glass unguentarium / perfume flask
Title: The Perfume of Empresses
Cultural style: Roman-inspired
Material: Glass
Length: Approximately 12 cm
Shape: Elegant spindle-shaped body with elongated pointed terminal
Neck: Long cylindrical neck with flared circular mouth
Base: Completely closed, tapering to a slender point
Surface: Spectacular multicoloured iridescence
Colours: Silvery blue, turquoise, emerald green, violet, lavender, and golden amber
Additional features: Orange-brown deposits and textured surface weathering
Possible historical function: Container for perfume, aromatic oils, or cosmetic preparations
Condition: Visible surface alteration and deposits, as illustrated
The Timeless Fragrance of Imperial Elegance
An enchanting glass vessel whose magnificent rainbow iridescence and extraordinarily graceful silhouette evoke the luxurious world of Roman empresses, precious perfumes, and the timeless beauty of ancient glassmaking.
An exceptionally elegant Roman-style glass perfume vessel, distinguished by its graceful elongated silhouette and extraordinary rainbow-like iridescence. Entitled “The Perfume of Empresses,” this captivating object evokes the luxurious beauty rituals of imperial Rome, when precious fragrances, aromatic oils, and delicate perfumes were treasured symbols of refinement and elegance.
Entitled “The Perfume of Empresses,” this exquisite glass unguentarium evokes the luxurious beauty rituals of imperial Rome, when precious fragrances, aromatic oils, and delicate perfumes were treasured expressions of femininity, refinement, elegance, and personal luxury.
Its remarkable spindle-shaped form and luminous, jewel-like surface create an object of extraordinary visual charm, recalling the sophisticated world of Roman aristocratic women and the timeless fascination with beauty and fragrance.
The Perfume of Empresses — Beauty and Luxury in Ancient Rome
In the magnificent world of imperial Rome, perfumes and aromatic oils occupied a special place in the daily rituals of wealthy and aristocratic women.
Precious fragrances, often prepared from exotic flowers, aromatic resins, herbs, and imported oils, were associated with elegance, personal adornment, and refined living.
Roman women used scented oils and perfumes during bathing, grooming, celebrations, and important social occasions.
Among the most celebrated figures of Roman imperial society were empresses and noblewomen whose elaborate hairstyles, luxurious jewellery, and sophisticated beauty practices became symbols of status and refinement.
Delicate glass vessels known as unguentaria were used throughout the Roman world to contain perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics, and other valuable liquid preparations.
The present vessel beautifully evokes this fascinating tradition, offering a romantic connection to the elegance and luxurious atmosphere of ancient Roman life.
An Extraordinary Spindle-Shaped Silhouette
One of the most remarkable characteristics of this glass vessel is its exceptionally graceful and unusual form.
The body begins with a long, slender cylindrical neck, terminating in a beautifully flared circular mouth with a carefully defined rim.
Below the neck, the glass gradually expands into an elegant bulbous chamber before narrowing into an extraordinarily long, delicate, pointed terminal.
The completely closed pointed base creates a striking spindle-shaped silhouette, reminiscent of a suspended drop of precious perfume.
This elegant construction gives the vessel an almost sculptural appearance, combining delicate proportions with a harmonious flowing outline.
Measuring approximately 12 cm in length, the object possesses a refined and distinctive profile, particularly attractive when viewed from different angles.
A Symphony of Iridescent Colours
Perhaps the most breathtaking feature of this remarkable vessel is its extraordinary multicoloured iridescence.
Across the glass surface appears a captivating interplay of shimmering colours:
Silvery Blue: Delicate metallic reflections reminiscent of moonlight upon polished silver.
Turquoise and Emerald Green: Luminous aquatic tones that bring freshness and remarkable depth to the surface.
Soft Violet and Lavender: Subtle purple reflections creating an enchanting, almost opalescent appearance.
Golden Amber: Warm, radiant highlights that contrast beautifully with the cooler blue and violet tones.
These colours change with the direction of the light, giving the vessel an extraordinary jewel-like appearance.
The iridescence is accompanied by areas of warm orange-brown deposits and textured surface alteration, creating a fascinating contrast between the translucent glass and its richly coloured exterior.
Such rainbow-like effects are known from archaeological glass, where chemical alteration of the surface can produce delicate layers that reflect light in different colours.
The precise origin and age of the iridescence on this particular vessel have not been independently established.
The Art of Ancient Glassmaking
Glassmaking reached remarkable levels of sophistication during the Roman period, when skilled artisans produced an extraordinary variety of bottles, flasks, drinking vessels, and luxury containers.
The development and widespread use of glassblowing allowed craftsmen to create increasingly delicate and elegant forms.
Small perfume vessels were particularly admired for their practicality and beauty, often combining narrow necks, carefully shaped bodies, and graceful proportions.
The elongated profile of this example recalls the artistic elegance of ancient glass perfume containers, while its distinctive pointed terminal gives it an especially unusual and captivating character.
A Jewel of Timeless Elegance
Beyond its possible historical function, this remarkable glass vessel possesses exceptional decorative appeal.
Its graceful proportions, luminous iridescent colours, and delicate pointed silhouette create an object that resembles a precious jewel fashioned from glass.
The shimmering surface evokes the beauty of pearls, moonlight, and precious gemstones, while the elegant form recalls the refinement of ancient perfumery.
Whether appreciated as a collectible glass object, a historical-style perfume vessel, or an elegant decorative treasure, “The Perfume of Empresses” beautifully captures the enduring relationship between fragrance, beauty, luxury, and artistic craftsmanship.
Object Details
Object: Elongated glass unguentarium / perfume flask
Title: The Perfume of Empresses
Cultural style: Roman-inspired
Material: Glass
Length: Approximately 12 cm
Shape: Elegant spindle-shaped body with elongated pointed terminal
Neck: Long cylindrical neck with flared circular mouth
Base: Completely closed, tapering to a slender point
Surface: Spectacular multicoloured iridescence
Colours: Silvery blue, turquoise, emerald green, violet, lavender, and golden amber
Additional features: Orange-brown deposits and textured surface weathering
Possible historical function: Container for perfume, aromatic oils, or cosmetic preparations
Condition: Visible surface alteration and deposits, as illustrated
The Timeless Fragrance of Imperial Elegance
An enchanting glass vessel whose magnificent rainbow iridescence and extraordinarily graceful silhouette evoke the luxurious world of Roman empresses, precious perfumes, and the timeless beauty of ancient glassmaking.
Details
Culture
Roman Empire
Century/timeframe
circa 1st–4th century AD
Name of object
Iridescent Glass Unguentarium — Exquisite Perfume Flask, 12
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Glass
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
12 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
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.
