Roman Pale Turquoise Glass Candlestick Balsamarium | Circa 2nd-3rd AD

Provenance & Ownership History
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Sold by Waddington’s, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as Lot 638 in the Cabinet of Curiosities auction on December 14, 2023. Subsequently acquired by a private collector in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

$500.00
$500.00
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This is a one-of-a-kind historical object. Once sold, this exact piece will not be restocked.
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360-degree video showcasing an ancient Roman pale turquoise blown-glass candlestick balsamarium dating to the 2nd–3rd century CE. Features a distinctive double-gourd body, elongated tapered neck, flared rim, and centuries-old natural iridescent patina, highlighting the craftsmanship of Roman glassmakers.
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  • Ancient Roman iridescent turquoise glass vessel with brown weathering on beige background
  • 360-degree video showcasing an ancient Roman pale turquoise blown-glass candlestick balsamarium dating to the 2nd–3rd century CE. Features a distinctive double-gourd body, elongated tapered neck, flared rim, and centuries-old natural iridescent patina, highlighting the craftsmanship of Roman glassmakers.
  • Ancient Roman pale turquoise glass balsamarium dating to the 2nd–3rd century CE, featuring a distinctive double-gourd body and elongated tapering neck.
  • Roman Empire blown-glass perfume bottle with a double-bulb silhouette, outfolded rim, and naturally developed iridescent patina.
  • Ancient Roman glass unguentarium featuring a slender cylindrical neck, rounded double-gourd body, and luminous turquoise surfaces with golden iridescence.
  • Archaeological Roman balsamarium from circa 100–300 CE, displaying delicate blown-glass craftsmanship and centuries-old iridescent surface weathering.
  • Roman pale turquoise glass perfume vessel featuring two rounded chambers connected by a narrow waist and an elongated neck with a carefully formed lip.
  • Ancient Roman double-gourd glass bottle displaying shimmering iridescent patina, subtle mineral deposits, and natural surface variations from archaeological burial.
  • Roman Empire balsamarium crafted from hand-blown turquoise glass, featuring an outfolded pouring rim and elegant proportions characteristic of ancient glassmaking.
  • Ancient Roman cosmetic and perfume vessel with a double-bulb body, tapering neck, and preserved iridescent glass surface reflecting centuries of mineral interaction.
  • Roman blown-glass balsamarium measuring approximately 7 inches tall, featuring a pale turquoise body, delicate flared lip, and distinctive double-gourd construction.
  • Ancient Roman glass unguentarium dating to the 2nd–3rd century CE, preserved with natural iridescence and presented in a modern acrylic display case.
Ancient Roman iridescent turquoise glass vessel with brown weathering on beige background
360-degree video showcasing an ancient Roman pale turquoise blown-glass candlestick balsamarium dating to the 2nd–3rd century CE. Features a distinctive double-gourd body, elongated tapered neck, flared rim, and centuries-old natural iridescent patina, highlighting the craftsmanship of Roman glassmakers.
Ancient Roman pale turquoise glass balsamarium dating to the 2nd–3rd century CE, featuring a distinctive double-gourd body and elongated tapering neck.
Roman Empire blown-glass perfume bottle with a double-bulb silhouette, outfolded rim, and naturally developed iridescent patina.
Ancient Roman glass unguentarium featuring a slender cylindrical neck, rounded double-gourd body, and luminous turquoise surfaces with golden iridescence.
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Roman pale turquoise glass perfume vessel featuring two rounded chambers connected by a narrow waist and an elongated neck with a carefully formed lip.
Ancient Roman double-gourd glass bottle displaying shimmering iridescent patina, subtle mineral deposits, and natural surface variations from archaeological burial.
Roman Empire balsamarium crafted from hand-blown turquoise glass, featuring an outfolded pouring rim and elegant proportions characteristic of ancient glassmaking.
Ancient Roman cosmetic and perfume vessel with a double-bulb body, tapering neck, and preserved iridescent glass surface reflecting centuries of mineral interaction.
Roman blown-glass balsamarium measuring approximately 7 inches tall, featuring a pale turquoise body, delicate flared lip, and distinctive double-gourd construction.
Ancient Roman glass unguentarium dating to the 2nd–3rd century CE, preserved with natural iridescence and presented in a modern acrylic display case.
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Roman Pale Turquoise Glass Candlestick Balsamarium | Circa 2nd-3rd AD

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Roman Empire (likely Northwestern Provinces or Mediterranean Centers of Production)
Material: Pale Turquoise Blown Glass with Natural Iridescence
Period: 2nd–3rd Century CE

Description

This elegant Roman balsamarium exemplifies the artistry and practicality of Roman glassmaking. Formed with a distinctive double-gourd body, a long tapering neck, and a carefully turned lip, the vessel was designed to reduce evaporation of valuable contents such as perfumes, ointments, and balms. The pale turquoise glass has developed a luminous iridescent patina over centuries, creating subtle variations in color and surface texture. Its refined proportions and graceful silhouette reflect both the technical mastery and aesthetic sensibilities of Roman glass artisans.

Features

- Distinctive double-gourd body with tapering cylindrical neck

- Outfolded lip designed for controlled pouring

- Pale turquoise glass with naturally developed iridescence

- Hand-blown craftsmanship with characteristic ancient glass imperfections

Cultural Significance

Balsamariums were essential vessels within Roman grooming and luxury culture, commonly used to store perfumes, oils, and unguents associated with bathhouses, temples, and private households. Glass containers were particularly valued for their non-porous nature, which preserved aromatic substances without contamination. Vessels such as this one reflect the refinement of Roman daily life and the widespread appreciation of glass as both a practical and aesthetically pleasing material.

Condition

Remarkably well preserved with minimal wear and excellent retention of form. The iridescent surface—created through centuries of burial and mineral interaction—enhances both the visual character and authenticity of the piece. The vessel is housed in a modern acrylic case for protection and display.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 7 in
Width: 4 in

Age (Approximate)

1,725–1,925 years old

Provenance

Sold by Waddington’s, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as Lot 638 in the Cabinet of Curiosities auction on December 14, 2023. Subsequently acquired by a private collector in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Examine the Development of Roman Glassmaking and the Invention of Glassblowing

Explore Our Collection of Ancient and Historical Glass Vessels

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Roman Empire (likely Northwestern Provinces or Mediterranean Centers of Production)
Material: Pale Turquoise Blown Glass with Natural Iridescence
Period: 2nd–3rd Century CE

Description

This elegant Roman balsamarium exemplifies the artistry and practicality of Roman glassmaking. Formed with a distinctive double-gourd body, a long tapering neck, and a carefully turned lip, the vessel was designed to reduce evaporation of valuable contents such as perfumes, ointments, and balms. The pale turquoise glass has developed a luminous iridescent patina over centuries, creating subtle variations in color and surface texture. Its refined proportions and graceful silhouette reflect both the technical mastery and aesthetic sensibilities of Roman glass artisans.

Features

- Distinctive double-gourd body with tapering cylindrical neck

- Outfolded lip designed for controlled pouring

- Pale turquoise glass with naturally developed iridescence

- Hand-blown craftsmanship with characteristic ancient glass imperfections

Cultural Significance

Balsamariums were essential vessels within Roman grooming and luxury culture, commonly used to store perfumes, oils, and unguents associated with bathhouses, temples, and private households. Glass containers were particularly valued for their non-porous nature, which preserved aromatic substances without contamination. Vessels such as this one reflect the refinement of Roman daily life and the widespread appreciation of glass as both a practical and aesthetically pleasing material.

Condition

Remarkably well preserved with minimal wear and excellent retention of form. The iridescent surface—created through centuries of burial and mineral interaction—enhances both the visual character and authenticity of the piece. The vessel is housed in a modern acrylic case for protection and display.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 7 in
Width: 4 in

Age (Approximate)

1,725–1,925 years old

Provenance

Sold by Waddington’s, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as Lot 638 in the Cabinet of Curiosities auction on December 14, 2023. Subsequently acquired by a private collector in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Examine the Development of Roman Glassmaking and the Invention of Glassblowing

Explore Our Collection of Ancient and Historical Glass Vessels

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