Unguentaria, 4th Century A.D. Onward

In the mid 4th century A.D., the establishment of Constantinople as the new administrative heart of the Roman World resulted in many social and economic changes. But the Roman desire for perfumery and cosmetics remained a constant, and each time there was a change in shape among the gold and silver perfume bottles (unguentaria) of the wealthy, it soon was mimicked in glass. Such desire came at a price, however. According to the emperor Diocletian’s Prices Edict of A.D. 301, even oil of wild marjoram was priced at 100 denarii per pound, while the recognized luxury of Arabian saffron could cost twenty times as much.

All glassware is shown at a scale of one-to-one unless otherwise stated.

Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)
From Dioscorides' De Materia Medica

86-35-57
Provenance unknown
4th century A.D.
Clear colorless
Gift of
George & Henry J. Vaux

MS 5583
Provenance unknown
4th century A.D.
Clear colorless
Gift of Lydia T. Morris

32-15-83
From Beth Shean (Israel),
tomb 295
4th century A.D.
Clear colorless
Excavated by G.M. Fitzgerald

86-35-57
Provenance unknown
4th century A.D.
Clear colorless
Gift of
George & Henry J. Vaux

MS 4935
Probably from Nazareth (Israel)
5th century A.D.
Light green; dark green
Purchased from Vestor & Co.

86-35-58
Provenance unknown
5th century A.D.
Bluish colorless; dark blue
Gift of George & Henry J. Vaux

MS 5040
Possibly from Tubas (Syria)
Early 6th century A.D.
Clear colorless; clear colorless
Purchased from Vestor & Co.

MS 5022
Possibly from Beth Shean (Israel)
Early 6th century A.D.
Clear colorless; clear colorless
Purchased from Vestor & Co.

MS 5023 FGRW
Possibly from Beth Shean (Israel)
6th century A.D.
Bluish colorless; bluish green
Purchased from Vestor & Co.

MS 5097
Possibly from Tubas (Syria)
6th century A.D.
Clear colorless; clear colorless
Purchased from Vestor & Co.

MS 5024
Possibly from Nazareth (Israel)
6th century A.D. or later
Clear colorless
Purchased from Vestor & Co.

Introduction

Unguentaria 1st-3rd

Unguentaria 4th +

Cosmetics

Oil Flasks

Galena Flasks

Small Cups

Jars

Dishes/Bowls

Jugs/Flasks

Wine Beakers

Bottles

Lamps etc.

Mold Blown/Decorated

Contacts/Credits