Roman Iridescent Tall Glass Unguentarium

With a biconical carinated body, dimple base, and chamfered rim. 49.4 grams, 10.1 cm



From a specialist collection of glass, acquired from dealerships during the 1990s.

Bulbous body and rounded underside, long neck, trumpet-shaped mouth with applied rim, applied strap handle with ribbing. 40 grams, 96 mm



Acquired in the 1992. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

Roman glass from the 2nd to 4th century A.D. gives a fascinating insight into everyday life in the Roman Empire. By this time, glassmaking had become highly skilled, and glass vessels were being produced on a much larger scale than before. Thanks to the development of glassblowing, makers were able to create practical as well as attractive objects such as bottles, flasks, jars, and drinking vessels. Much of the glass from this period has a soft blue-green tint, caused by natural elements in the raw materials. Although some pieces were finely decorated, many were made for ordinary daily use, showing how glass had become far more common and accessible across Roman society.

With intaglio Venus stooping to wash from a vessel; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.29 grams,11.81 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.