Ancient Roman Iridescent Glass Candlestick Unguentarium, Eastern Mediterranean, circa 2nd–3rd Century AD

Eastern Mediterranean, circa 2nd–3rd century AD

A particularly elegant Roman blown-glass unguentarium of candlestick form, distinguished by its exceptionally elongated proportions and beautifully preserved ancient iridescence.

The vessel has a low, broad domed body, from which rises a very long, gently tapering tubular neck. The mouth opens into a wide, flattened everted rim, creating a strong horizontal counterpoint to the slender vertical neck. The simplicity and balance of the form give the vessel an almost strikingly modern appearance.

Free-blown in pale green glass, the unguentarium would originally have been used to contain a small quantity of perfume, scented oil, cosmetic preparation or medicine. The exceptionally narrow neck was practical as well as elegant, helping to control the dispensing of its valuable contents.

The surface is particularly attractive, retaining extensive golden, silver, pink, violet and green iridescence created by centuries of burial and chemical weathering. Areas of mineral incrustation remain around the neck and mouth, while the broad lower body displays especially luminous patches of ancient iridescence.

Unguentaria of this elongated type were produced throughout the Roman Empire, with numerous examples associated with the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, important centres of Roman glass production and trade.

The vessel survives substantially intact, including the delicate long neck and broad everted rim, making it a particularly decorative example of Roman glass.

Date: Circa 2nd–3rd century AD
Culture: Roman
Origin: Eastern Mediterranean / Middle East
Material: Pale green translucent glass
Technique: Free-blown
Form: Candlestick unguentarium with domed body, elongated tapering neck and broad everted rim
Function: Perfume, scented oil, cosmetic or medicinal vessel
Condition: Substantially intact; extensive ancient weathering, mineral deposits and particularly attractive multicoloured iridescence.