Greek unguentarium

Greek unguentarium
ITEM: Unguentarium
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek, Hellenistic period
PERIOD: 3rd - 2nd Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 260 mm x 63 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Spanish private collection, acquired between 1980 - 2000
PARALLEL: BRITISH MUSEUM Collection, Accession number 1814,0704.662. BRITISH MUSEUM Collection, Accession number 1951,0907.3

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Greek unguentarium was a small, elegant container used primarily for holding perfumed oils, ointments, and other cosmetic substances. Often made from glass, clay, or sometimes metal, these vessels were characterized by their slender, elongated shapes, which made them ideal for storing and dispensing liquids in a controlled manner. The design of an unguentarium typically included a narrow neck and a small opening, which allowed users to easily pour out or apply the contents. These features not only facilitated practical use but also contributed to their aesthetic appeal, reflecting the high value Greeks placed on personal grooming and beauty.

In ancient Greek culture, the use of perfumed oils and ointments was a significant aspect of daily life, especially among the wealthy and elite. The Greeks applied these substances for a variety of purposes, including hygiene, relaxation, and as a marker of social status. Unguentaria were often found in the context of luxury items and were sometimes adorned with intricate designs or inscriptions, enhancing their value as decorative art pieces. The craftsmanship of these vessels, particularly in glass, demonstrates the advanced techniques developed by Greek artisans, including the use of techniques like core-forming and casting.

Medidas:

6.3 x 26 cm