Candlestick unguentarium, part of neck and neck and rim; H684.2

Object detail

Description

Candlestick unguentarium. Pale blue blown glass. Very low almost flat disc-shaped body with evenly sloping shoulder. Indented base with central concavity. Narrow cylindrical neck narrowing to splaying rim, rounded but not folded and pulled wider and flatter to one side, perhaps to facilitate pouring. Broken at neck, some fragments missing. Some iridescence (Webb, Jennifer M., 1997 "Corpus of Cypriote Antiquities", Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol. XX:p 20).

Classification

DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT Containers vase
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot

Production date

50 CE-250 CE
100 CE-300 CE

Production place

Rome, Italy

Measurements

Candlestick Di34
Base H14 x D72

Media/Materials description

Glass

History and use

An 'unguentarium' is a small bottle used to hold ointments, perfumes, balms and other liquids for use in the toilet (bathroom). These were used by both men and women, the contents applied after waking and after bathing. Popular scents included saffron, marjoram and rose. The material inside the glass may be debris, or fine remnants of the original content. These tall, cylindrical forms are known as 'candlestick' unguentarium, as they sometimes resemble early candlesticks. They may have a flat or round base, the neck may taper, and be with or without a constriction at the top of the neck, thought to allow for easier pouring of the precious contents. The glass is especially thin and fine.

Associated person

Samuel Brown

Registration number

H684.2

My shortlist

Country

Cyprus

Candlestick unguentarium, part of neck and neck and rim

Object detail

Share

My shortlist

Country

Category

Explore other objects by colour

Related objects