Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A gorgeous ensemble of 3 unguentaria, all formed from translucent, blue-green glass. Each of the dazzling vessels presents a flat, circular base and walls that narrow to a slender, elongated neck capped by an annular rolled rim. Sparkling flakes of rainbow and silver-hued iridescence adorn the body of each unguentarium, nicely complementing their elegant forms. Unguentaria are used for storing perfumes, balms, or other scented oils. Size (of largest): 1.7" Diameter x 3.6" H (4.3 cm x 9.1 cm)

Most scholars agree, Roman glass was of the highest quality - both aesthetically and technically - among the ancients. While glass making had been practiced for centuries, glass blowing was invented in the Roman-controlled Holy Land in the 1st century BCE. This innovative technology revolutionized the artform. We can appreciate such a wide variety of forms and shapes, because the medium of glass has unique physical properties that make for so many more possibilities which would eventually replace a wide variety of pottery and metal wares in the ancient world. Roman glassmakers reached incredible artistic heights with both free-blown vessels and mold blown forms and decorations and were traded far beyond the Roman Empire. Roman glass vessels have been found in Scandinavia, India, and in Han Dynasty tombs in China.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#138516

Rough pontil scars on base of 2 indicating they were free blown. The absence of a pontil mark on the other vessel suggests that it was either mold-blown or that the mark was intentionally smoothed away or wore away over time. Stable hairline fissures near base and on neck of largest. Nicks to base of mid-size vessel. Otherwise, all are intact and excellent with nice weathering film and lovely iridescence.