Aryballos. Rome, I-III century AD.

Aryballos. Rome, I-III century AD.
Glass
Provenance: UK private collection. Bought at Sotheby's December 8, 1994, lot 170.
Good condition. Intact.
Measurements: 10 cm high.

Attractive example of aryballos in glass, a piece linked to personal care and the world of bathing in Roman culture. This type of container, heir of Greek forms, was destined to contain perfumed oils used in the daily hygiene, especially in contexts like the thermal baths.

The glass, with a translucent greenish blue hue, shows a smooth satin surface with slight iridescence, the result of chemical alteration processes over time. These qualities give the piece a special visual richness, as well as evidence of its age and authenticity. The subtle variations in thickness and slight formal irregularities are characteristic of the blown glass technique, which was widespread in the Roman Empire.