Ancient Roman Glass Candlestick Unguentarium

Eastern Mediterranean, circa 2nd–3rd century AD

An elegant Roman blown-glass unguentarium of so-called candlestick form, distinguished by its exceptionally long tubular neck and broad domed body.

Blown in translucent pale blue-green glass, the vessel has a low, rounded bell-shaped body providing a stable base, from which rises an extraordinarily slender cylindrical neck. The neck terminates in a widely flared, everted rim, giving the otherwise austere profile a graceful finish.

This elongated form belongs to the broad family of Roman unguentaria, small vessels used for valuable liquids such as perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics and medicinal preparations. The extremely narrow neck restricted evaporation and allowed the contents to be poured or dispensed sparingly.

The vessel was free-blown, and the slight irregularities of its profile retain the immediacy of ancient manufacture. Its unusually attenuated proportions are particularly striking, the long vertical neck contrasting with the compact rounded body below.

Centuries of burial have produced a richly varied archaeological surface. The original aquamarine glass remains clearly visible beneath areas of earthy mineral incrustation and silver, blue, violet and golden iridescence, particularly attractive across the domed body.

The vessel survives substantially intact, including the delicate elongated neck and flared mouth, although there are visible ancient fractures and extensive surface weathering.

Date: Circa 2nd–3rd century AD
Culture: Roman
Origin: Eastern Mediterranean / Middle East
Material: Translucent pale blue-green glass
Technique: Free-blown
Form: Candlestick unguentarium with domed body, exceptionally long tubular neck and flared rim
Function: Perfume, scented oil, cosmetic or medicinal vessel
Condition: Substantially intact with visible fractures and losses to the rim; extensive ancient mineral incrustation, weathering and attractive iridescence.