Main Menu

Bulbous Flask (Unguentarium)

Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image Not Available for Bulbous Flask (Unguentarium)
Bulbous Flask (Unguentarium)
Image Not Available for Bulbous Flask (Unguentarium)

Bulbous Flask (Unguentarium)

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean (Syro-Palestinian)
Date2nd-4th century CE
DimensionsH: 8 5/8 in. (22 cm); Rim Diam: 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm); Body Diam: 2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm)
MediumGlass; free-blown, tooled.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.601
Not on View
DescriptionThin glass. Natural light green; flat rim, folded inward; neck widens toward shoulder; neck constricted at juncture with body; 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 and tooled; no pontil mark. Lip outsplayed at an angle with flaring wide hollow rim, folded outward, upward, inward, and downward, but not flattened. Tall tapering neck with constriction at its base. Small bulbous body less than one-sixth of the total height with the greatest diameter near the middle. Flat bottom with a slight depression at its center.

Membership

Become a TMA member today

Support TMA

Help support the TMA mission