Roman Glass Unquentaria

The Roman Empire, c. 100-200AD.

This exceptional Roman glass bottle, known as an unguentaria (or unguentarium, balsamarium, and lacrimarium), was likely used to store oils, perfumes, or other liquid and powdered substances. The small bottle features a piriform (pear-shaped) body, a tubular neck with slight constriction at the junction of a rounded flat base, and an everted rim with a delicate inward fold. This elegant form was widely favored across the Roman Empire from the first century to the early fourth century.

Unguentaria were commonly included in Roman burials, though their exact purpose remains open to interpretation. It is believed that these bottles may have been used in funerary rituals, possibly containing oils, incense, or wine as offerings to honor the deceased or to appease the gods.

Roman glassmakers were trailblazers in the development of glass technology over two millennia ago, creating soda-lime glass, which consisted of silicon, sodium, and calcium oxides. For added vibrancy, Roman artisans used various metallic oxides to color the glass. Copper was employed to produce hues from turquoise to light blue, green, and red, while cobalt created a rich, deep blue. Manganese and antimony were used for yellow, white, and purple tones, and iron was used for a variety of colors, including light blue, green, brown, and black, often to mimic the colors of gemstones like lapis lazuli and amethyst.

This beautiful unguentarium reflects the advanced glassmaking techniques and artistic vision of the Romans, offering a window into the craftsmanship and innovation of the ancient world.

Good condition. Chip in the rim, otherwise intact. Lovely patina and age-induced wear occur. The surface of the exterior and interior is calcified and encrusted with minerals over the years. Bottle has a stunning colour that varying from pale bluish green to light seafoam green. Size approx. 11,4cm x 2,6cm x 2,6cm.

Provenance: From the collection of painter and tv producer Ole Braunstein (1917–1999). Donee of the Høyen Prize in 1984.