Candlestick unguentarium
Production date
3rd Century BCE-2nd Century BCE
Country
Cyprus
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Object detail
Description
Candlestick unguentarium. Blue-green clear blown glass. Low body with convex sides, concave base and slight constriction at neck-base. Wide cylindrical neck tapering to splaying rim, unevenly folded upward, outward and inward. To one side edge of rim broke away during manufacture and the area was subsequently ground and polished, leaving inner edge of fold intact. Pontil mark on base. Some iridescence and minor encrustation (Webb, Jennifer M., 1997 "Corpus of Cypriote Antiquities", Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol. XX: p 19).
Classification
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT Containers vase
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot flask
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot flask
Production date
3rd Century BCE-2nd Century BCE
Measurements
H182mm x D80mm x W80mm
Media/Materials description
Glass
Signature/Marks
Manufacture
Manufacture
Manufacture
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
H693
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