{"product_id":"ancient-roman-iridescent-green-glass-unguentarium-circa-2nd-3rd-century-ad","title":"Ancient Roman Iridescent Green Glass Unguentarium, circa 2nd–3rd Century AD","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEastern Mediterranean, circa 2nd–3rd century AD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn elegant \u003cstrong\u003eRoman blown-glass unguentarium or perfume bottle\u003c\/strong\u003e, formed in translucent pale blue-green glass and retaining an attractive ancient iridescent surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel has a piriform \u003cstrong\u003epear-shaped body\u003c\/strong\u003e, gently tapering at the shoulder into a remarkably long, slender cylindrical neck. The mouth flares slightly and terminates in a neatly folded rounded rim. The restrained form and elongated proportions give the bottle an elegant simplicity characteristic of Roman glass vessels intended for precious liquids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnguentaria were among the most familiar small glass vessels of the Roman world and were used for \u003cstrong\u003eperfumed oils, unguents, cosmetics and medicinal preparations\u003c\/strong\u003e. The narrow neck restricted the flow of their valuable contents, allowing liquids to be dispensed in small quantities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bottle was \u003cstrong\u003efree-blown\u003c\/strong\u003e, exploiting the natural translucency and subtle colour of the glass rather than applied decoration. Its pale aquamarine-green tone is typical of Roman glass made from naturally coloured soda-lime glass, the blue-green tint resulting principally from iron impurities in the raw materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCenturies of burial have transformed the surface, producing attractive areas of \u003cstrong\u003esilver, blue and green iridescence\u003c\/strong\u003e, together with patches of earthy mineral incrustation. Particularly appealing are the flashes of turquoise around the lower body, contrasting with the softer silvery weathering of the neck and shoulders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel survives remarkably well, retaining its \u003cstrong\u003elong neck and folded rim\u003c\/strong\u003e, with extensive ancient surface weathering and incrustation consistent with archaeological burial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 2nd–3rd century AD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roman\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Mediterranean \/ Middle East\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Translucent pale blue-green glass\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnique:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free-blown\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pear-shaped unguentarium with elongated cylindrical neck and folded rim\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perfume, cosmetic oil, unguent or medicinal vessel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intact or substantially intact; extensive ancient weathering, mineral deposits and attractive iridescence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54836165607761,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/greenglassung.png?v=1788969642","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/products\/ancient-roman-iridescent-green-glass-unguentarium-circa-2nd-3rd-century-ad","provider":"nwtiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}