An ancient Roman unguentarium blown from pale blue glass, most likely used as a perfume bottle. The vessel features a flat wide everted rim and a long, narrow cylindrical neck which curves outwards towards the bell-shaped body. The vessel rests on a slightly concave base. The piece is covered with beautiful iridescence along with earthly encrustations. 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 14cm x W 5cm Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman, bought 1970s and by descent.