102. Roman Glass Perfume Flask

C. 1st - 3rd Century A.D.

A delicately formed pale blue glass roman perfume flask. The body is a flattened bell shape and stands on a concave base, the neck is long and cylindrical to hinder the flow of liquids and terminates in an everted and folded rim. Areas of blue and silver irridescence. 1st - 3rd Century A.D.

This vessel was made specifically for the purpose of holding valuable liquids such as perfume.

Condition: Fine. Areas of irridescence. No chips or cracks.

Dimensions: Height 12.5cm

Provenance: Ex. private collection, UK.

£110.00

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Roman Glass

Glassblowing developed in the Syro-Palestinian region in the early first century B.C. and came to Rome with craftsmen and slaves after the area's annexation to the Roman world in 64 B.C. The new technology revolutionized the Roman glass industry, stimulating an enormous increase in the range of shapes and designs that could be produced. Glassworker's were no longer bound by the technical restrictions of the casting process. Blowing allowed for unparalleled versatility and speed of manufacture. These advantages spurred an evolution of style, form and experimentation, leading craftsmen to create unique shapes; examples of which include flasks and bottles shaped like human heads, fruits and animals.