Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A spectacular Roman blue-green glass double unguentarium, sometimes called a balsamarium, with two rippling ribbon-like trails adorning the sides of the unguents, making for a most wonderful effect. The conjoined tubes have a continuous trail lining the rims. Wealthy women in ancient Roman times would employ these pieces to contain their precious unguents or oils. Another use was as a double kohl vessel containing the two colors of eye makeup. 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: 2.75" W x 4.875" H (7 cm x 12.4 cm); 5.375" H (13.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#131885

Repaired with visible fissures from the rim down the vessel body. Minor chips to rim. Surface abrasion on lower end of one unguent that now shows sparkly iridescence. Loss to upper tend of one trail. The vessel glows with areas of internal and external rainbow and silvery iridescence.