Roman Blue-Green Glass Ampulla
1st-2nd century A.D. Slightly concave base, a piriform body with tapered shoulders, a lightly corseted neckline beneath a cylindrical neck, and a splayed rim with an in-folded lip. Cf. Filarska, B., Szkla Starozytne (Ancient Glass) II vol., Warszawa, 1972, II, cat.116, pl.XXVI,2, for similar vessel. 81 grams, 11.6 cm high (4 1/2 in.).

Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The ampulla was, in Ancient Rome, a small round vessel, usually made of glass and used for sacred purposes. The term can also refer to later flasks, often flatter and without handles, typically used as pilgrim souvenirs. Materials include glass, ceramics and metal. An unguentarium is a bottle believed to have been used to store perfume. Such vessels were often produced in Gaul.