{"product_id":"ancient-roman-double-balsamarium","title":"Ancient Roman double balsamarium","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEastern Mediterranean, circa 3rd–4th century AD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unusual \u003cstrong\u003eLate Roman double balsamarium, or double-bodied unguentarium\u003c\/strong\u003e, blown in pale green glass and retaining extensive ancient surface incrustation and iridescence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel is formed as \u003cstrong\u003etwo adjoining elongated tubular compartments\u003c\/strong\u003e, each intended to contain a small quantity of precious liquid. The twin bodies rise vertically to separate openings and are flanked by two tall applied loop handles, drawn upwards from the shoulders and attached beside the mouths. The handles retain particularly clear areas of the original translucent green glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDouble balsamaria belong to a distinctive group of Roman cosmetic and toilet vessels. Their paired compartments allowed two different substances to be carried within a single vessel and are generally associated with \u003cstrong\u003eperfumes, scented oils, cosmetics or medicinal preparations\u003c\/strong\u003e. Examples occur particularly in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, where glassmaking flourished throughout the Imperial and Late Roman periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel was \u003cstrong\u003efree-blown\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the two tubular containers joined together while hot and the handles subsequently applied. Its tall, narrow proportions and strongly articulated handles give the piece an unusually sculptural appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly notable is the extensive surviving \u003cstrong\u003earchaeological surface\u003c\/strong\u003e. Long burial has produced thick mineral and earthy incrustations over much of the pale green glass, together with areas of silvery and blue-green iridescence. Where exposed, the original translucent green colour remains visible, especially along the handles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe balsamarium survives in a \u003cstrong\u003efragmentary and restored condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, with ancient fractures and losses, particularly around the mouths and bodies, but retains its characteristic double form and both handles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 3rd–4th century AD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Roman\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Mediterranean \/ Middle East\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Translucent pale green glass\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnique:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free-blown with applied handles\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Double balsamarium \/ double-bodied unguentarium\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Probably for perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics or medicinal preparations\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fragmentary and restored, with fractures and losses; extensive ancient mineral incrustation and iridescence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54835959005521,"sku":null,"price":676.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/doublebalseriumI1.png?v=1788967309","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/products\/ancient-roman-double-balsamarium","provider":"nwtiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}