Roman unguentarium, Ex MUSEUM

Roman unguentarium, Ex MUSEUM
ITEM: Unguentarium
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 2nd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 150 mm x 70 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Coll. Ernst Ulrich Walter, Museum of Orientalists, Leutwitz (Saxony). ex. Museum für Morgenlandfahrer, inv. SW2397

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 Roman unguentarium was a small, often elegantly designed vessel used to hold and dispense perfumes, oils, or other scented substances, which were an essential part of daily life and personal grooming in the Roman world. Typically made from glass, clay, or sometimes metal, unguentaria were favored for their small size, ease of use, and portability. They were commonly found in Roman homes, bathhouses, and even in tombs, suggesting that they played a significant role in Roman social practices and burial rituals. These vessels were often used to store precious oils or perfumes, which were applied for both hygienic and cosmetic purposes, as well as for religious and ritualistic uses.

The design of the unguentarium was typically simple yet functional, with a narrow neck and a small spout or nozzle that allowed for the controlled dispensing of the contents. Some unguentaria featured handles, which made them easier to carry and handle, while others were crafted with elegant decorations or patterns, showcasing the skill of Roman glassmakers or potters. The most iconic form of unguentarium is the narrow-necked, flask-like bottle that resembles modern perfume bottles. Many unguentaria were decorated with geometric patterns, scenes from mythology, or even simple, elegant shapes, often reflecting the aesthetic tastes of Roman society. They were often small enough to be carried around, making them useful for personal use, especially in the context of public baths or social gatherings.

Unguentaria were not only used for personal grooming, but they also had a significant presence in funerary practices. Archaeological discoveries of unguentaria in Roman tombs suggest that they were included as grave goods, reflecting the belief in the continued importance of personal care and appearance in the afterlife.

Medidas:

7 x 15 cm