Roman Amber Color Glass Cosmetic Unguentarium

Dating from the 1st to 3rd Century AD, is a beautifully preserved example of ancient Roman craftsmanship and daily life. Standing at 8-1/4 inches H. (8-7/8 inches on its custom mount), this delicate vessel features an iridescent amber glass tube with a distinctive bulbous body tapering to a pointed base, a slender neck, and a slightly out-turned rim. Its intact condition speaks to its remarkable survival over nearly two millennia, with the iridescence being a natural and desirable effect of its age. This type of unguentarium was commonly used in the Roman world for storing and dispensing precious perfumed oils, unguents, or cosmetics, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient personal care rituals and the luxury goods of the era. Further enhancing its significance, the piece boasts notable provenance, having been part of the distinguished Jan Mitchell Collection, acquired in the 1990s. For comparison and authentication, similar examples can be found in authoritative texts such as "Susan Auth, Ancient Glass at the Newark Museum, New Jersey, 1976" and "S. B. Matheson, Ancient Glass in the Yale University Art Gallery, Yale, 1980." This particular unguentarium is considered a rare type due to its unusual amber color and exceptional state of preservation