Roman bottle

ITEM: Bottle
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 3rd - 4th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 200 mm x 105 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1960 - 1980

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 North African bottles were a distinctive category of ceramic and glass vessels produced in the provinces of Roman Africa, particularly in regions such as modern-day Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. These bottles, often made from terracotta or blown glass, were used for storing and transporting liquids such as oils, perfumes, and wine. North Africa was a major center of Roman ceramic production, known for its fine red-slipped pottery (African Red Slip ware), and many bottles from this region featured high-quality craftsmanship with smooth surfaces and decorative elements. Glass bottles, produced using advanced Roman glassblowing techniques, were also widely distributed, showcasing both practical utility and aesthetic refinement.

The design of North African bottles varied depending on their intended function. Ceramic bottles were often small, with a rounded or globular body and a narrow neck, ideal for pouring liquids in controlled amounts. Some examples featured intricate stamped or incised decorations, including geometric motifs, floral patterns, or even Christian symbols in later periods. Glass bottles, on the other hand, were typically more translucent and could be molded or free-blown into elegant shapes, sometimes with fluted or ribbed decorations. These vessels were produced in specialized workshops that catered to both local and export markets, reflecting the economic significance of North African pottery and glassware in the Roman Empire.

Roman North African bottles were widely traded across the Mediterranean, found in archaeological sites as far as Italy, Spain, and the eastern provinces. Their presence in both domestic and funerary contexts suggests their importance in daily life, as well as in ritual or religious practices. Many of these bottles were used to store perfumes or scented oils, which were valuable commodities in Roman society for personal grooming and religious offerings.