Rome, Late Imperial, ca. 4th century CE. This is a piriform emerald green glass unguentarium with a long neck and a flared rim. Political events in the Roman Empire during the 3rd century -- notably the reports of Germanic raids deep into the Roman heartland and streams of refugees from outlying areas -- severely impacted the Roman economy and left craftsmen such as the vitriarii, the glassmakers, in difficult positions with regard to pricing and trading their goods as well as access to raw materials. In essence, the freedom enjoyed by the Romans of previous centuries to trade across a vast empire with a controlled single currency was breaking down, replaced by a world that must have felt much smaller to those who remembered earlier times. As a result, this example is heavier and thicker than the delicate, clear blown glass from earlier in the Imperial Period. Size: 4-3/4"H x 1-1/2" in diameter (12 cm x 3.8 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private Bates Collection, Clarksville, IA, ex-Joel Malter Collection, acquired before 1990

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#110682

Some surface pitting, otherwise intact/excellent condition.