ITEM: Unguentarium
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek, Hellenistic period
PERIOD: 3rd - 1st Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 120 mm x 37 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Swiss private collection

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Greek unguentarium, also known as a perfume bottle or ointment jar, was a vessel specifically designed for storing and dispensing aromatic oils, perfumes, and ointments in ancient Greece. These vessels were typically made of ceramic, glass, or occasionally metal, and came in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on their intended use and the preferences of the owner. Unguentaria played an essential role in Greek daily life, as personal grooming and hygiene were highly valued in ancient Greek society.

One common type of Greek unguentarium was the "tear bottle" or "tear vase," characterized by its elongated, tear-shaped body and narrow neck. These tear-shaped vessels were often used to collect and store tears shed during mourning or emotional distress, as well as fragrant oils or perfumes. Tear bottles held symbolic significance in Greek funerary customs, serving as offerings to the deceased or as grave goods placed in tombs to accompany the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.

Additionally, Greek unguentaria were sometimes decorated with intricate designs, including geometric patterns, floral motifs, or scenes from mythology or daily life. These decorations not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the vessels but also conveyed symbolic meanings or cultural associations. Unguentaria were commonly found in domestic contexts, such as bathrooms or dressing areas, as well as in religious sanctuaries or funerary settings.

Good condition

12 x 3.7 cm