RARE ROMAN COBALT BLUE GLASS UNGUENTARIUM
Ca. 100-300 AD.
Dark blue unguentarium with flaring rim, elongated neck and globular body. The deep blue colour of this glass is both beautiful and rare in Roman glassmaking; the lighter blue streaks are part of a patina which only serves to increase the striking effect of this remarkable piece. Good condition. Glass was a major manufacturing industry in the Roman Empire, especially after the invention of glassblowing in the middle of the first century BC, when glass became used for a variety of purposes including vessels, jewellery and construction materials such as glass or tiles. Roman glassmaking reached the farthest corners of the Empire and flourished until about 400 AD, when the Roman Empire started to disintegrate, finally falling in the late 5th century AD. Vessels would probably have been used for perfumes, oils (used as soap) and/or medicines in antiquity.
Size: L:97mm / W:50mm; 20g
Provenance: Private UK collection; Acquired in Germany; from a pre-2000 German collection.
Estimate: GBP 750 - 1500