ITEM: Flask
MATERIAL: Glass
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 95 mm x 68 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, T., Paris, 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 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman glass flasks, also known as unguentaria or perfume bottles, were small vessels used for storing and dispensing oils, perfumes, and other aromatic substances in ancient Rome. These flasks were crafted from glass, a material that became increasingly popular during the Roman Empire due to advancements in glassmaking techniques. Roman glassmakers developed various methods for shaping and decorating glass, resulting in a wide array of exquisite vessels, including the distinctive glass flasks.

The design of Roman glass flasks typically consisted of a narrow neck, a globular body, and a pointed or flattened base, facilitating ease of handling and pouring. The neck of the flask often featured a small mouth or spout, sometimes equipped with a stopper or lid to prevent evaporation and spillage of the precious contents. The body of the flask was often decorated with intricate patterns, such as spirals, waves, or geometric motifs, created using techniques like mold-pressing, trailing, or glass blowing. Some flasks also bore decorative handles or applied glass threads for added visual appeal.

Roman glass flasks served both practical and aesthetic purposes in ancient Roman society. While they were primarily used for storing and dispensing perfumes and oils, these vessels also held symbolic significance in rituals, ceremonies, and daily life. Perfumes and aromatic oils were integral to Roman grooming and hygiene practices, and the use of elegant glass flasks to contain these precious substances reflected social status and refinement. Additionally, glass flasks were often buried as grave goods in Roman tombs, attesting to their importance in funerary customs and beliefs about the afterlife.