This glass vessel was produced by using a blowing technique. The procedure would have required competency and knowledge of high temperature glass blowing and demonstrated the advanced technical skill of ancient glass craftsmen. Through the use of a long rod, air would have been blown into it in order to create the body of the vessel located on the opposite end of the rod in molten form. Depending on the skill of the glass maker, various shapes and designs could be created, frequently resulting in very delicate products.

This object was acquired by Dr Stuart Kay in 1927 and was possibly from Alexandria in Egypt.

Vessels of this type are called Unguentaria because they were used as receptacles for unguents such as oils and perfumes that made up part of ancient Roman or Greek toilet. In some cases they were also thought to contain medicine. Unguentaria were normally made of clay or glass and exist in numerous shapes and sizes. Many of these objects were found in burial contexts and were initially though to have contained the tears of mourners hence their early term "tear bottles" or "lachrymatories". This particular vessel did not function as a receptacle, as the body of it is solid and therefore could not contain anything. This perhaps indicates that it was used only as a symbolic object, possibly as a grave good in a burial.

Vessel (unguentarium), glass, maker unknown, Roman empire, 1st and 2nd century

This very small and delicate vessel was probably made from blue glass. The surface has developed into iridescent film of white patina, while the body appears to be solid and composed of a white chalky substance with a light blue core. A further very small hollow is observable in the interior possibly a bubble of some kind. The delicate shape demonstrates a rounded and narrow body almost like a large tear drop, while the base is also rounded. The neck appears to be slightly constricted and the rim does not survive.

A2607-5

27 mm

5 mm