{"product_id":"ancient-roman-stone-unguentarium-1st-3rd-century-ce","title":"Roman Provincial Stone Unguentarium | Ancient Perfume \u0026 Cosmetic Vessel | 1st–3rd Century CE","description":"\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roman Empire (Precise Provincial Origin Unknown)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carved Porous Buff-Coloured Stone, Catalogued as Volcanic Tuff\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd Century CE (Attributed)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis distinctive Roman-style stone unguentarium features a generously rounded, bulbous body rising into an elongated cylindrical neck, crowned by a thick, outward-projecting rim. Its simple yet elegant proportions reflect the recognizable vessel forms associated with Roman Imperial perfume and ointment containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe nearly spherical lower chamber transitions smoothly into a substantial upright neck, with a narrow recessed band defining the junction between the neck and shoulder. The slightly flared mouth provides a pronounced finishing detail, emphasizing the vessel's balanced silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFashioned from pale beige to sandy-brown porous stone, the exterior exhibits a heavily textured surface characterized by granular irregularities, scattered mineral deposits, and subtle variations in coloration. The material was identified by the previous auction house as volcanic silicate tuff, although its precise geological composition has not been independently confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel's understated design emphasizes its sculptural form rather than applied decoration. Its weathered surface, substantial stone construction, and distinctive proportions distinguish it from the more commonly encountered glass and ceramic unguentaria of the Roman world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rounded, bulbous body with an elongated cylindrical neck\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Thick, outward-projecting rim surrounding a circular mouth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Narrow recessed band separating the neck and shoulder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Pale beige and sandy-brown coloration with natural tonal variations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Coarse, porous stone surface with distinctive granular texture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Simple, undecorated form reflecting Roman Imperial unguentarium traditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Previously catalogued as a hand-carved volcanic tuff vessel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Visible mineral deposits, surface weathering, and age-related irregularities\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Distinctive stone construction uncommon among typical Roman glass and ceramic unguentaria\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Roman Imperial period, perfumes, aromatic oils, and medicinal preparations formed an important part of everyday life throughout the Mediterranean world. These substances were associated with personal grooming, bathing, religious observances, and funerary practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmall vessels known as \u003cem\u003eunguentaria\u003c\/em\u003e were widely used to contain, preserve, and dispense valuable liquids. Their characteristic rounded bodies, elongated necks, and relatively narrow openings provided a practical means of controlling the movement and distribution of their contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnguentaria were produced primarily from terracotta and glass, reflecting the development of specialized container-making traditions across the Roman Empire. Archaeological discoveries have documented their presence in domestic, commercial, and funerary contexts, illustrating their significance in both everyday activities and ceremonial practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStone vessels also formed part of the broader Mediterranean tradition of producing containers from durable natural materials. The present example, catalogued as a Roman Imperial unguentarium, reflects the distinctive silhouette of these ancient containers while exhibiting an unusual porous stone construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts substantial form and understated craftsmanship offer an intriguing connection to the material culture and vessel-making traditions of the ancient Mediterranean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel displays extensive surface weathering, granular texture, scattered mineral deposits, and areas of discoloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMinor surface abrasions and irregularities are present throughout, together with a visible fissure along the lower portion of the rounded body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe thick rim and cylindrical neck retain their overall form, with surface wear and minor irregularities consistent with the vessel's present condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 5.75 in\u003cbr\u003e\nWidth: 3.325 in\u003cbr\u003e\nDepth: 3.325 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1,700–2,000 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormerly part of a private collection in Sarasota Beach, Florida, USA. Subsequently handled by Akiba Galleries, Dania Beach, Florida, USA. Akiba Galleries is an established, family-owned auction house specializing in fine art, antiques, historical artifacts, and collectible objects from around the world. Known for its diverse and carefully curated auctions, the gallery serves an international clientele of collectors, dealers, and institutions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover a comparable Roman unguentarium featuring a bulbous body and elongated neck at the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theacropolismuseum.gr\/en\/unguentarium-9\" title=\"Roman Unguentarium – Acropolis Museum\"\u003eAcropolis Museum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse Our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/roman-greek-artifacts-ancient-relics\" title=\"Roman \u0026amp; Greek Artifacts – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Roman \u0026amp; Greek Artifacts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67847044759874,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/First_photo_design_-_2026-10-22T131934.757.jpg?v=1792698585","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/fr\/products\/ancient-roman-stone-unguentarium-1st-3rd-century-ce","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}