Description

Ca. 3rd–4th century AD. Roman. A very small unguentarium in the shape of a flattened irregular sphere. Originally light blue in colour, the aging of the glass has created a beautiful patina which gleams with iridescence. Unguentaria, like alabastra in ancient Greece, were vessels used to store perfume or toilet oil in the Roman period.

Size: L:52mm / W:29mm ; 11g

Provenance: Private London collection.