{"product_id":"ancient-roman-iridescent-glass-candlestick-unguentarium-eastern-mediterranean-circa-2nd-3rd-century-ad-copy-2","title":"A Large Roman Clear Glass Candlestick Unguentarium","description":"\u003cp\u003eRoman, circa 2nd–3rd century AD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA particularly large and elegant \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoman free-blown glass unguentarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, of distinctive candlestick form, made from almost colourless transparent glass with a subtle pale greenish tint.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vessel is distinguished by its unusually elongated proportions, with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003etall, slender cylindrical neck\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e rising from a broad, shallow, gently domed body. The neck widens subtly towards the base and terminates above in a pronounced \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eeverted mouth with a thick folded rim\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, characteristic of Roman free-blown glass production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe broad discoid body provides a striking counterpoint to the exceptionally long neck, giving the vessel the appearance of a classical candlestick and lending the otherwise functional form a remarkably sculptural quality. Vessels of this type are consequently known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecandlestick unguentaria\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and were used for the storage of precious liquids, most probably perfumes, scented oils and cosmetics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe underside is deeply and broadly concave, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eno obvious pontil scar visible\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while the slight irregularities in the profile and thickness of the glass bear witness to its hand-blown manufacture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe surface has acquired considerable character through burial, retaining areas of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eancient mineral accretion, weathering and attractive silvery and rainbow iridescence\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, particularly across the broad body. Where the surface remains clearer, the original translucent quality and very pale natural colour of the glass can still be appreciated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA particularly impressive example of Roman glassmaking, notable for its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003elarge scale, completeness and unusually elegant proportions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoman, circa 2nd–3rd century AD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFree-blown clear glass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Complete, with extensive ancient surface weathering, mineral deposits and iridescence consistent with burial; minor surface wear and pitting. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54839943856465,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/Generated-with_Kive.ai_-_Create_a_new_full-product_studio_photograph_of_the_exact_antique_glass_candlestick_from_Candles_stick_bottle._Image_1_is_the_visual_reference_for_the_product.png?v=1788988075","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/products\/ancient-roman-iridescent-glass-candlestick-unguentarium-eastern-mediterranean-circa-2nd-3rd-century-ad-copy-2","provider":"nwtiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}