Description:

Roman, Imperial period, Eastern Empire / Holy Land, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A spectacular Roman double unguentarium, sometimes called a balsamarium, comprised of seafoam green glass with four undulating ribbon-like trails adorning the sides of the unguentaria, 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: 1.1" L x 2.8" W x 5.4" H (2.8 cm x 7.1 cm x 13.7 cm); 5.9" H (15 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private 5th Avenue, New York, USA collection

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#183902

  • Condition: Missing handle with chipping and small losses to areas on rim where handle was attached. Some minor areas of professional repair and a few stable pressure fissures. Loss to some threadlike trailing, though much remains. Areas of surface covered with weathering film. Other areas with earthen deposits.

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March 8, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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