Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A spectacular Roman double unguentarium, sometimes called a balsamarium, comprised of green glass with ribbon-like rigaree hanging from the rim and threadlike trails wrapping around each unguentarium, altogether making for a most wonderful effect. Wealthy women in ancient Roman times would employ a vessel such as this to contain their precious unguents or oils. Another use was as a double kohl vessel containing two different hues of eye makeup. Furthermore, 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: 1.875" W x 4.75" H (4.8 cm x 12.1 cm); 6.125" H (15.6 cm) on included custom stand.

This unguentarium and eight other items hammered for GBP 1,750 ($2,266) at Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge Antiquities Auction (May 8, 2013, lot 171).

Provenance: ex-private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge Antiquities Auction (May 8, 2013, part of lot 171); ex-Joseph Klein collection, New York, New York, USA, formed between 1941 and 1980, thence by descent

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#139027

  • Condition: Losses to two of the top ribbon-like rigaree embellishments and one thread that wraps around the side. Otherwise, very nice with rich earthen deposits throughout.

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January 20, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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