ITEM: Flask
MATERIAL: Glass
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 66 mm x 16 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 1990s

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.

Roman glass flasks and bottles were essential containers in ancient Roman society, used for storing and transporting a wide range of liquids, including wine, oil, perfume, and medicine. These vessels were typically made from glass, a material that was highly valued for its transparency, durability, and versatility. Roman glassmakers employed various techniques, such as blowing, molding, and cutting, to create vessels of different shapes, sizes, and decorative styles to suit their intended function and aesthetic preferences.

Roman glass flasks and bottles came in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small, delicate perfume bottles to large, amphora-shaped vessels for storing wine or oil. The most common types of glass vessels included unguentaria (perfume bottles), ampullae (flasks), and unguentarium (oil flasks), each with distinct shapes and characteristics. Unguentaria were typically small, narrow-necked bottles used for holding perfumed oils or ointments, often buried in tombs as offerings to the deceased. Ampullae were flask-shaped vessels with wide bodies and narrow necks, often used for storing and transporting liquids such as wine or water. Unguentarium were elongated, narrow-necked bottles specifically designed for holding oils or unguents, with some examples featuring elaborate decorative motifs or inscriptions.

Roman glass flasks and bottles were not only practical containers but also objects of beauty and craftsmanship, often decorated with intricate patterns, relief designs, or colored glass. Glassmakers used a variety of decorative techniques, including trailing, marvering, and dipping, to create vessels with stunning visual effects. Some glass bottles featured relief decorations depicting mythological scenes, religious symbols, or intricate floral motifs, while others were adorned with colorful enamel or glass applications.

Good condition

6.6 x 1.6 cm