An ancient Roman bottle, blown from pale translucent glass. The vessel features an elongated body that tapers towards the rounded base. A short neck leads to the mouth of the vessel with a flattened rim. Iridescence along with slight earthly encrustations to the surface. Please note, the vessel does not stand on its own. 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 7.4cm x W 3cm Provenance: Ex London Art Market, acquired 1980s-90s.