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Bulbous Flask (Unguentarium)

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Bulbous Flask (Unguentarium)

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean (Syro-Palestinian)
Date2nd-4th century
DimensionsH: 7 1/16 in. (18 cm); Rim Diam: 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); Body Diam: 2 11/16 in. (6.9 cm)
MediumGlass; free-blown, tooled.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.600
Not on View
DescriptionThin glass. Natural light green; flat rim, folded inward; neck widens toward shoulder; flattened hemispherical body. The resemblance of the shape of this type of vessel to a modern candlestick has resulted in the name "candlestick unguentarium." Transparent natural pale green. Free-blown; no pontil mark. Wide tubular rim, folded outward, upward, inward, and flattened. Tall, thick tapering neck with a constriction at its base. Small bulbous body about one-sixth of the total height, with the greatest diameter near the bottom. Flat bottom with a slight depression at its center.

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