R103 - TWO COLORFUL ANCIENT ROMAN GLASS UNGUENTARIUM VIALS

Product Description

ITEM # 

R103

ID

Roman Glass

FOUND

ISLE OF RHODES, GREECE - (ex-private collection 
formed in early 1950's)

AGE

1st - 2nd CENTURY A.D.

SIZE

5" and 4.25" tall

CONDITION

LOSSES TO BOTH RIMS BUT OTHERWISE INTACT
AS FOUND WITH HEAVY MINERAL DEPOSITS ON 
THE INTERIOR SURFACES.

NOTE

NICE AFFORDABLE EXAMPLES OF EARLY ROMAN
GLASS FOR TEACHING OR BEGINNER COLLECTORS.

Actual Item - One Only

Comes with a certificate of authenticity / information sheet

From a very old private collection of an Orthodox priest who originally collected these pieces in the 1950's on the Isle of Rhodes, this authentic artifact is part of a small collection we had purchased in the mid-1980's and have had since that time.  The collection comprised a unique diversity of ancient Greek artifacts representative of everyday life in ancient Greece.  It was a small collection and quite unusual in that everything was in its original state as collected.  Nothing was painted, restored, patched up and enhanced as nearly every ancient artifact is that is offered today.  Rather than being objects of opulent wealth or pieces of archaeological importance, this collection was made up of the "common Man's" wares of a normal, working-class life.  Aside from the fact that nothing was restored, only either repaired or intact as found, the objects shed a fascinating light on the life of an average Greek person in antiquity, not of kings, queens or nobles.  This was a one-time purchase and was formerly in the private collection of one of the company's owners.  Once this small lot is sold, we will never make this offer again.   Take note, ancient GREEK objects like these are far more rare then later period Roman examples due to the scarcity and smaller size of Greek civilization compared to the latter massive, Roman Empire.   GUARANTEED 100% AUTHENTIC AND COMES WITH OUR CERTIFICATE.

This is great pair of Roman glass UNGUENTARIUM vials.  They were found on Rhodes but date to the later Roman Period, likely leftovers from extensive trade that occurred there in ancient times.  The larger is intact with only a missing rim portion.  The smaller has been reassembled from large pieces and is missing its rim.  If intact, both would be over double the price asked here.  A perfect set for educators or collectors wishing to display such items but not invest too much.  The UNGUENTARIUM was used in ancient times to hold special prized oils and perfumes.  This later period blown glass replaced earlier terra cotta examples.  Common and small, personal objects of everyday life often absent from many antiquity collections.   INTACT AND COMPLETE.

Be wary of modern copies that have been around for many decades and sold to unsuspecting tourists and brought back as an "authentic" piece, now littering numerous old collections.  In our own museum lab facility, we subject to rigorous inspection and authentic every artifact we offer for sale, accompanied by a written lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and proper identification.

The Classic Roman Empire was a unique association of peoples and places such as the Mediterranean World had never seen before.  What had been a patchwork of Hellenistic monarchies, independent city-states, and Celtic tribes was miraculously united into one great political entity.  At its peak rule, the Roman Empire stretched from Spain to Syria and England to Egypt.  Much of the success of the Empire can be attributed to the protection afforded by its near invincible war machine, the Roman army.  Many tactics and weapons were first pioneered by this massive military force and just the thought of having to challenge this entity thwarted many a foreign enemy.  Those that were brave (or foolish) enough to go up against Rome's military were quickly made examples of to the rest of the world.  The technology and strength of the Roman military was the guardian of this great society in the West for some 500 years.  

Our modern world today benefits much from a host of technological innovations first given to us by the ancient Romans.  From simple inventions such as blown glass and underground sewer systems to major concepts in engineering and the Roman calendar.