Candlestick unguentarium
Country
Cyprus
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Object detail
Description
Candlestick unguentarium. Blue blown glass. Hemispherical body with concave base. Tall cylindrical neck, slightly off-centre, narrowing to unevenly shaped splaying rim, folded outward, upward and inward. Area of rim missing, upper neck cracked. Iridescence and frosting. (Candlestick unguentarium. Pale green 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 uneven shaped funnel mouth with small irregular bevelled fold (upward, outward and inward) on top. Body damaged. Much iridescence. (Webb, Jennifer M., 1997 "Corpus of Cypriote Antiquities", Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol. XX: p 19).
Classification
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT Containers vase
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot
Measurements
H151 x Di73mm
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
H692
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