Ancient Roman, Empire Roman ointment container with beautiful iridescence - 71 mm (No reserve price)

Roman ointment container with beautiful iridescence

Roman Empire, Imperial Period
Pale green glass with polychrome iridescence.
1st to 3rd centuries AD

Such vessels belong to the group of so-called unguentaria or balsamaria, which roughly resemble a modern flask in appearance. These vessels were typically used to store medicinal or cosmetic ointments and liquids. Additionally, balsamaria were often used as grave offerings. Related forms include the Greek aryballos and the alabastron, originating from Egypt and adopted in Greece.

The term originates from the Latin word 'unguentum' for ointments, or from 'balsamum' for balsams. In older literature, the colloquial terms 'salve box,' 'tear glass,' or 'tear vial' (Latin: 'Lacrimarium'; from 'lacrima' meaning 'tear') were often used. This historically transmitted expression persisted into the 19th century and is based on the mistaken assumption that ancient people, mourning their dead, collected the tears shed for the deceased and then placed them in the grave with the body.

This piece offered here is made of pale green glass and features a beautiful polychrome iridescence.

Small outbreak on the lip, otherwise intact.

Acquired in 2025 through Swiss art trade, previously part of a Swiss private collection since the 1990s. The invoice will be provided to the buyer as a copy.