Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A spectacular double unguentarium, sometimes called a balsamarium, free-blown from translucent green glass to present 2 tubular chambers with a deep basin, a flared rim, a rounded base, and delicate ribbon-like trail handles joining rim to body. The conjoined tubes have a continuous band of rigaree winding around their contours 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. Another use was as a double kohl vessel containing the 2 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. Layers of gorgeous silver and rainbow iridescence further adorn the body of this elegant vessel! Size: 2.8" W x 4.6" H (7.1 cm x 11.7 cm); 5.9" H (15 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#157229

Nick to rim and light surface wear in some areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely earthen film on interior and sparkling iridescence. Pontil mark on underside of base. A pontil scar or mark indicates that a vessel was free-blown, while the absence of such a mark suggests that the work was either mold-blown or that the mark was intentionally smoothed away or wore away over time.