Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A spectacular Roman translucent green glass double unguentarium, sometimes called a balsamarium, with delicate ribbon-like trail handles joining rim to shoulder. The conjoined tubes have a continuous band of rigaree winding around their contours starting at the top of rim and ending at the base. Wealthy women in ancient Roman times would employ these pieces to contain their precious unguents or oils. Another use was as a double kohl vessel containing the two colors of eye makeup. Vessels like this have also been found in tombs and were used to contain scented oils or precious cosmetics for the deceased to carry into the next world. Size: 1.625" W x 4.875" H (4.1 cm x 12.4 cm); 5.125" H (13 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#131884

  • Condition: Tiny nick to end of rigaree on rim of one unguent. A few pressure fissures that are difficult to see. Some earthen deposits. Traces of rainbow iridescence at the lower end of the vessel.

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April 5, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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