Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Ancient Roman small hand-carved amethyst cosmetic or unguent jar. The vessel has a rounded, bulbous body with gently curving shoulders and a slightly flaring foot. The thick, neatly shaped rim tapers into a short neck. Hand-carved stone jars made from precious materials such as amethyst, rock crystal or alabaster were typically used as cosmetic or unguent containers. They stored perfumed oils, ointments, balms, cosmetic creams or medicinal preparations. The durability and non-porous nature of the stone helped protect these costly substances from spoiling. The material shows attractive natural colour zoning, shifting from deep violet to soft lavender and smoky translucent grey, with cloudy inclusions and subtle natural fractures. Height: ± 50,7 mm Diameter: ± 51,2 mm maximum Diameter base: ± 31,9 mm Condition: very good and intact, with some surface wear and minor edge nibbling at the foot, consistent with age and use. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). A compact and beautifully shaped vessel, valued both for its craftsmanship and the natural beauty of the stone. The rounded body, thickly modelled rim and simple turned foot are more typical of Roman luxury cosmetic containers, especially those carved in rock crystal, amethyst or alabaster.