Candlestick unguentarium
Production date
2nd Century-3rd Century CE
Country
Cyprus
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Object detail
Description
Candlestick unguentarium. Clear blown glass, with iridescence. Flat circular base, rising to low semi-circular shaped body with convex walls and convex base. Tall nawwor concave-sided neck, slightly bent, widens to a splaying rim, which is folded outward, upward and inward. One side of the rim, however, is not folded but ground off, perhaps to facilitate pouring. Area of body cracked with small fragment missing. Iridescence and some frosting. (Webb, Jennifer M., 1997 "Corpus of Cypriote Antiquities", Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol. XX: p. 20).
Classification
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT Containers vase
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot flask
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot flask
Production date
2nd Century-3rd Century CE
Measurements
H130mm x W60mm x D60mm
Media/Materials description
Glass
History and use
Smell is one of the strongest senses, inducing memories, associations and powerful emotions. Perfumes and scented oils were used to heighten attractiveness, and communicate wealth, status and nature of the person. Available in solid or liquid forms, they were used in all aspects of daily life, including sports events, banquets, medicines, rituals, offerings to the gods and the deceased. Perfume containers are as varied as the scents they contained. This object is called a ‘Candlestick’ unguentaria - after its shape and function of holding unguents (ointments).
Associated person
Registration number
H687
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