Roman Empire, ca. 2nd century CE.  A spectacular Roman green glass double Unguentarium, sometimes called a Balsamarium, with a high arched handle and two side handles, all one continuous strand of glass applied after being blown. A strand of brown glass is included making a most wonderful effect. The conjoined tubes have a continuous band of turquoise blue trail decoration starting at the top of rim and ending at the base. Wealthy women in ancient Roman times would employ these pieces to contain their precious unguents or oils. Probably the most common use was as a double kohl vessel containing the two colors of eye makeup. Such contents have actually been found in ancient vessels.  Size: 6-1/4" H.Ref. "Fire and Sand, Ancient Glass in the Princeton Art Museum, 2012, p. 263, #432 for a very similar piece.

Provenance: Acquired by the present owner in Paris about 1980 from an old French collection.

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#101917

Overall condition good, some very slight stress cracking as is normal with ancient glass.