Candlestick unguentarium
Country
Cyprus
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Object detail
Description
Candlestick unguentarium. Pale yellow blown glass. Low bell shaped body with convex walls, convex base, and constriction at neck base. Tall cylindrical neck, narrowing upward to broad thick rim, folded outward, upward and inward. Part of body and base missing, other areas mended. Some frosting and iridescence. (Webb, Jennifer M., 1997 "Corpus of Cypriote Antiquities", Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol. XX: p 20).
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot flask
Measurements
L156mm x W71mm x D71mm
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. 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
Registration number
H686
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