Lot 71
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A graceful pair of Roman glass unguentaria, each finely blown into an elongated tubular form with narrow necks and flared rims, designed to hold precious oils, perfumes, or cosmetics. These vessels, often referred to as "tear bottles," are characterized by their elegant proportions and delicate craftsmanship, both attributes highly prized in Roman daily and ritual life. One vessel is rendered in translucent glass with a silvery iridescence developed through centuries of burial, its shimmering surface revealing the delicate interplay of light and age. The other displays a rich cobalt hue, its body tapering to a fine point at the base with a fuller midsection, emphasizing the artistry and control of ancient glassblowers. The flared rims provided ease of pouring and perhaps supported stoppers of organic material, now lost. Size: 1" Diameter x 10" H (2.5 cm x 25.4 cm)
Unguentaria such as these were ubiquitous across the Roman world, found in domestic contexts as well as graves, where they were often placed as offerings to accompany the deceased. Their slender design made them practical for both storage and careful dispensing of valuable contents, while their aesthetic qualities elevated them as personal luxuries. Together, this pair exemplifies both the refined simplicity and timeless elegance of Roman glasswork.
Provenance: Ex private Louisville, Colorado, USA collection, ex Millea Brothers Auctions, NJ, ex property from the Collection of a Media Executive; Parts purchased from Fortuna Fine Arts, 1999
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#197027
- Condition: Larger has been repaired with small loss at visible break line and both have some stable hairline fissures in areas. Age-commensurate weathering as shown, but, otherwise, more petite is intact and both have very nice presentations with weathering film and iridescence.
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