Artifact - Antiquity - Blown Glass Balsamaire - Roman Empire

Period: Roman Empire, 2nd - 3rd century Origin: Eastern Mediterranean - Probably Egypt Provenance: Private collection by inheritance - Limousin, France Elegant Roman balsam jar in blown glass, with a slender and harmonious silhouette. This type of bottle was intended to contain perfumed oils, balms and ointments, essential elements of care practices and religious rituals in Antiquity. Light but refined, this object is a precious testimony to the Roman artisanal mastery of glass, the production of which was particularly flourishing in the eastern provinces of the Empire. Description • Material: Blown glass with a subtle iridescence • Shape: Tapered body with a domed base, finely widened neck, typical of the balsamaires of the time • Iridescence: Light, with soft nuances, testifying to the slow aging process of the glass Use & Symbolism Used in beauty, hygiene and funeral rituals, these small bottles were often placed in tombs to accompany the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. Their presence in graves attests to their spiritual and social importance. State of conservation • Slight crack (close to invisible), with minimal signs of wear, a beautiful patina and a slight iridescence of natural origin. Presented on a modern base for optimal enhancement. Dimensions • Height excluding base: 10.3 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!