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Bulbous Flask (Unguemtarium)

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Bulbous Flask (Unguemtarium)

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean (Syro-Palestinian)
Date2nd-4th century CE
DimensionsH: 8 3/16 in. (20.8 cm); Rim Diam: 1 15/16 in. (4.9 cm); Body Diam: 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm)
MediumGlass; free-blown, tooled.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.599
Not on View
DescriptionMedium thin glass. Numerous small spherical and pinprick bubbles in the body, vertically elongated bubbles in the neck, and horizontally elongated bubbles in the rim. Natural light bluish-green; flat, thick rim, folded inward; long neck, widening, towards shoulder; neck constricted at juncture with body; flattened hemispherical body. The resemblance of the shape of such pieces to modern candlesticks has resulted in the title "candlestick unguentarium" used for them. Transparent natural pale green. Free-blown and tooled; no pontil mark. Wide hollow rim, folded outward, upward, inward, and flattened to form a broad brim. Tall tapering neck with constriction at its base. Small squat bulbous body less than one-sixth the total height, with the greatest diameter near the bottom. Concave bottom.

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