Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD

Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD

R 18,125.00
R 18,125.00
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Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
  • Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD
Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD

Antiquities: Framed Blown Glass Unguentarium, Attributed Roman c.1st–3rd Century AD

This intact hand-blown vessel bridges classical antiquity with sophisticated, museum-style presentation.

Suspended inside an architectural shadowbox, the delicate flask rests against a mirrored rear panel that reflects its slender neck and teardrop profile, capturing light across its iridescent body. It serves as a commanding historical accent on a minimalist sideboard or nested within a gallery wall layout, balancing delicate glass against substantial gilded wood.

Researched attribution: Roman blown glass unguentarium, circa 1st–3rd century AD, a form associated with cosmetic, perfume or oil storage. Attribution and dating are based on the supplied research, not independent authentication.

The supplied research describes pale green glass with silver-blue and rainbow iridescence, surface weathering and encrustations. Their composition and a history of burial have not been independently established.

The vessel is sealed within a custom, deep-profile wood shadowbox with gilded leaf moulding, a fabric spacer, mirrored backing and hanging hardware. The proposed mid-century frame date, gold-leaf finish and specific fabric composition are research attributions rather than independently verified specifications.

Original Intended Use: Cosmetic, perfume or oil storage flask.
Alternate Suggested Use: Architectural accent or statement gallery display.
More Details
  • Blown glass vessel attributed to Roman antiquity, encased within a custom shadowbox frame.
  • Delicate, translucent pale green glass body described as having reflective silver and rainbow iridescence.
  • Elongated piriform body, extended narrow neck and an out-folded flattened rim.
  • Mirrored backing provides a reflected reverse view without opening the sealed frame enclosure.
  • Substantial 11cm-deep wood frame with layered gilding and corner weathering.
Did you Know?

Unguentarium is the term used for a small vessel associated with perfumes, oils and cosmetics. The supplied research identifies this flask with Roman examples dated to circa the 1st–3rd century AD. Its silver and rainbow sheen is described as glass-weathering iridescence; appearance alone does not establish an object's age or burial history. The deep mirrored shadowbox allows the delicate form to be admired without opening the enclosure.

Research & Attribution: My research attributes this blown glass flask to Roman production, circa first–third centuries AD, identifying it as an unguentarium associated with perfumes, oils or cosmetics. Its slender neck and teardrop profile were considered alongside comparable examples recorded in the British Museum, Israel Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Art collections. These museum comparisons form part of the evidence supporting my attribution; they do not constitute authentication of this particular vessel by those institutions.

The pale green glass, iridescence, surface weathering and encrustations described in the research contribute to the assessment, rather than establishing ancient origin or burial history on their own. The vessel is sealed within its display frame, limiting examination for restoration, adhesives or later intervention. Independent academic authentication remains outstanding.
Origin & Era

Roman Imperial — likely Eastern Mediterranean (Syria/Levant) or Northern Italy, consistent with known Roman glass-blowing centers. Circa 1st–3rd century AD.
Research & Attribution

Each piece is researched with care and supported by comprehensive historical notes drawn from available sources, comparative analysis, and archival references. While I am not a certified appraiser or authentication specialist, my attributions reflect careful independent research and may be refined as new evidence emerges. These notes are offered to enrich understanding and appreciation of each item, rather than as formal guarantees of age, provenance, or authenticity.
Approximate Dimensions

Frame Outer: 50.5cm x 38cm / Frame Depth: 11cm / Glass Vessel Height: Approx 14cm.
Vintage Condition

Supplied condition report: The glass vessel is structurally intact, with surface pitting, micro-abrasions near the rim and surface deposits. The custom frame shows minor shelf wear and light hairline cracking in the gesso corners. The sealed enclosure limits examination; the composition and origin of the deposits are unconfirmed.
Price
R 18,125.00
Bob / Yaga Price

R 20,735.00

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