A delicate Ancient Roman unguentarium formed from translucent glass. The vessel features a piriform body that sits on a dimpled base. A long cylindrical neck, constricted at the base, narrows slightly towards an everted rim. The glass displays a beautiful silver-blue iridescence, alongside earthy encrustations, and minor weathering, pitting and encrustations consistent with age. The vessel is able to stand unassisted. Unguentaria were amongst the most common objects of Roman blown glass: produced in large numbers, they were items of everyday 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: H 15cm x W 5.2cm Provenance: Ex London Art Market, acquired 1980s-90s.