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

Eastern Mediterranean, circa 2nd–3rd century AD

An exceptionally slender Roman blown-glass unguentarium of candlestick form, distinguished by its dramatically elongated neck and richly weathered ancient surface.

The vessel is free-blown in pale green glass, with a low, broad domed body rising almost seamlessly into an extremely long, narrow tubular neck. The simplicity of the form is particularly elegant, its exaggerated vertical proportions giving the vessel a remarkably sculptural quality.

Unguentaria of this type were made to contain small quantities of perfume, scented oils, cosmetics or medicinal preparations. The exceptionally long and narrow neck would have restricted the flow of liquid, allowing precious contents to be dispensed sparingly.

The glass has undergone extensive natural weathering during burial. Its original pale green translucency is now overlaid with silvery, golden and brown iridescence and areas of mineral incrustation, particularly concentrated across the rounded body. The resulting surface has considerable depth, changing in appearance according to the light.

The upper mouth is fragmentary, with losses to the original rim, while the body and exceptionally long neck survive substantially intact. The irregular surviving edges at the mouth should be regarded as losses rather than an intentionally pinched or shaped lip.

Its extreme proportions make this a particularly striking example of Roman glass, combining the delicacy of free-blown manufacture with the rich archaeological surface created by nearly two millennia of burial.

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 and exceptionally elongated tubular neck
Function: Perfume, scented oil, cosmetic or medicinal vessel
Condition: Body and neck substantially intact; rim fragmentary with losses; extensive ancient weathering, mineral incrustation and iridescence.