Balsarium, double flask, Roman
Production date
Circa 3rd Century CE-4th Century CE
Country
Italy
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Object detail
Description
A glass, double flask balsarium (a holder for anointing oils). Formed by blowing a tube of glass, then folding this in half and pinching the fold to close each side. It was then decorated with a glass trail around the upper half and body. Complete with handle, which is unusual, as these sometimes break due to frailty. Some iridescence and encrustion.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Roman
Production date
Circa 3rd Century CE-4th Century CE
Measurements
L162 mm x W58mm x D30mm
Media/Materials description
Glass
History and use
This beautiful object is a glass, double flask balsarium -a holder for anointing oils.A persons personalty can be communicated through the scents and perfumes they choose to wear. Smell is one of the strongest senses, inducing memories, associations and powerful emotions. Perfumes and scented oils were used in the ancient world to heighten attractiveness, and communicate wealth, status and express the nature of the person. Available in solid or liquid form, perfumes were used in all aspects of daily life, including sports events, banquets, rituals and provided as offerings to gods and the deceased.
This glass, double balsarium was a holder for anointing oils. It was formed by glass blowing - the maker forming a tube, then folding in half and pinching the fold to close each side. It was decorated with a glass trail around the upper half and body. It comes complete with handle, which is relatively unusual as these usually break due to their delicate nature.
This glass, double balsarium was a holder for anointing oils. It was formed by glass blowing - the maker forming a tube, then folding in half and pinching the fold to close each side. It was decorated with a glass trail around the upper half and body. It comes complete with handle, which is relatively unusual as these usually break due to their delicate nature.
Registration number
E40194
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