Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. This mosaic amber and white glass unguentarium is elegantly formed with a narrow base, four flattened faces, and rounded shoulders that taper to a slightly flared neck and narrow mouth. The feathered patterns were formed with opaque and semi-translucent canes of glass marvered together while molten. Areas of purple iridescence across the exterior add to its beauty. Size: .75" W x 3.75" H (1.9 cm x 9.5 cm); 4.375" H (11.1 cm) on included custom stand.

This type of ancient glass - known as "marbled", "color-band", or "mosaic" glass - is created through a process of casting and blowing which allows the artist to weave strands of different-colored glass throughout the composition. Vessels like this example would have been used by the ancients to contain scented oils or other precious liquids.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Martin Wunsch collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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#157464

  • Condition: Old inventory label on neck. Minor nicks to rim, surface wear, and weathering film commensurate with age and use. Intact with purple iridescence.

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August 27, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000