This attractive glass vessel dates to the heyday of glass production in the Mediterranean. It is an unusual shape, a barrel-like, rounded flask with sharply angled base and shoulders, the apex giving rise to a graceful slope up to a double- rimmed, straight-lipped mouth. The shoulder and the base of the neck are joined by a twisted handle with relief working on the upper side. The ground is green, with a patina of age that bestows an attractive opalescence. The function of the piece is uncertain, but its size suggests that it is for a consumable – perhaps an alcoholic beverage – rather than makeup or other items associated with unguentaria.
Antiquities Ancient Roman
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