A fine blown-glass ''unguentarium'' pleasingly formed, with a round apple-shaped body, slender neck and flared lip. The base is flattened so that it is free-standing. Glass of this shape was used to store ointments or cosmetic oils.
Beautiful light blue-green glass and very fine surface patina with extensive areas of vivid pink, silver and blue iridescence – excellent condition. (69 x 50 mm – 2 3/16 x 2 inches)
Ancient Roman - circa 1st - 3rd century AD
Provenance: From the estate of Hadassah K. Musher, NYC.
The survival of this fragile glass seems nearly miraculous. Occasionally examples where the glass has reacted to burial exhibit a shimmering iridescence that has long captivated the imagination of the most ardent collectors and artists.