A miniature Roman Green Glass vial, ca. 1st - 3rd century CE
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This diminutive glass vessel exemplifies the widespread use of blown glass throughout the Roman world during the Imperial period. Featuring a rounded bulbous body, slender cylindrical neck, and everted rim, the form belongs to a class of small containers employed for precious liquids such as perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics, medicinal preparations, and ritual unguents. Their compact size made them practical for personal use, travel, and inclusion among funerary offerings.
Roman mastery of glassmaking revolutionized the ancient world. Following the introduction of glassblowing in the late 1st century BCE, glass vessels could be produced more efficiently and in a greater variety of forms than ever before. Small vials such as this became common household objects, reflecting both the technological sophistication of Roman craftsmen and the growing accessibility of luxury goods throughout the empire.
The vessel survives with an attractive weathered surface and areas of iridescence and mineral encrustation acquired during centuries of burial. These alterations, characteristic of ancient glass, result from long-term interaction between the glass and surrounding soil conditions and contribute to the object's archaeological character.
Medium: Glass
Dimensions: Height: 1 3/4 inch (4.5 cm)
Condition: Intact with expected age-related weathering, surface encrustation, and areas of iridescent patination consistent with prolonged burial.
Provenance: Nora Scott (1905 – 1994), Curator of Egyptian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, (retired 1972), and acquired from the Metropolitan Museum of Art by deaccession. Gifted to L. Virginia Burton (1918–2009) Associate Curator of Egyptian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (retired 1977), and then by descent.
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Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.
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