Candlestick unguentarium
Production date
3rd Century BCE-2nd Century BCE
Country
Cyprus
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Object detail
Description
Candlestick unguentarium. Pale blown glass. Very low almost flat disc-shaped body with convex shoulder and concave base with pontil mark. Slight constriction at neck base. Tall cylindrical neck narrowing to wide uneventy shaped funnel mouth with small irregular bevelled fold (upward, outward and inward) on top.(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
3rd Century BCE-2nd Century BCE
Production place
Measurements
H159mm x W79mm x D79mm
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
H690
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