An ancient Roman unguentarium blown from pale translucent glass, most likely used as a perfume bottle. The vessel features a wide everted rim leading to a long, narrow cylindrical neck with a constriction at the base, and a bell-shaped body, ending in a slightly concave base. The piece is covered with beautiful silvery iridescence and earthly encrustations. Signs of wear, such as pitting and weather, to the surface. Unguentaria were amongst the most common objects of Roman blown glass: produced in large numbers, they were items of everyday use for keeping expensive perfumes and cosmetic oils. The small body and mouth were ideal for slow, careful pouring, while glass was preferred for holding liquids, due to its non-porous, non-absorbent nature. By the 1st century AD, the technique of glass-blowing had revolutionised the art of glass-making. The new technique allowed craftsmen to use smaller amounts of glass for each vessel and obtain much thinner walls, so enabling the creation of small medicine, incense, and perfume containers in new forms. Measurements: (circa) H 15.8cm x W 6.2cm Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman, bought 1970s and by descent.