Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. An elegant mold-blown glass sprinkler flask boasting a translucent hue of olive. The ancient vessel displays a spherical body, long, tubular neck, and a corseted, flared rim, all sitting upon a concave base. A gorgeous, swirled pattern decorates the body and a lovely band of risen dots sits at the top of the shoulder. A diaphragm is contained within the flask at the junction of the neck and body, allowing valuable liquid to be poured out drop by drop. Sprinkler flasks were designed to conservatively dispense precious scented oils and perfumes while concurrently mitigating the rapid evaporation of its contents. A stunning rainbow-hued iridescence highlights the vessel's graceful form. Size: 3" in diameter x 4" H (7.6 cm x 10.2 cm)
Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private France collection
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#164040
Condition
Rough pontil mark on the base. A pontil mark or scar indicates this vessel was blown by hand using a patterned mold. Some softening of molded detail. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely iridescence.