Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A wonderful glass balsamarium presenting with a concave, circular base with walls that taper to a narrow, flared rim capped by a slender, applied trail handle. Naturally adorned by lustrous silver and rainbow iridescence formed through the centuries, the opaque glass may appear nearly black at first glance, but when held in the sunlight reveals a rich hue of aubergine. Circles of white rigaree adorn the bottom third of elegant vessel. Wealthy women in ancient Roman times would employ these pieces to contain their precious unguents or oils, or for holding two different colors of kohl eye makeup. Size: 1.8" Diameter x 2.9" H (4.6 cm x 7.4 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#135422
Condition
Repaired from several pieces with break lines visible and area of loss near base. Otherwise, excellent with beautiful iridescence. Pontil mark on underside of base. A pontil scar or mark indicates that a vessel was free-blown, while the absence of such a mark suggests that the work was either mold-blown or that the mark was intentionally smoothed away or wore away over time.