Unguentaria were amongst the most common objects of Roman blown glass: produced in large numbers, they were items of everyday use for keeping expensive perfumes and cosmetic oils. The small body and mouth were ideal for slow, careful pouring, while glass was preferred for holding liquids, due to its non-porous, non-absorbent nature.
Core-forming is the earliest known method of glass manufacture, originating in Mesopotamia in the mid-2nd Millennium BC. Molten glass was worked around a central core, usually of earthly or organic material, which was later removed to form a hollow vessel. Decorative patterns could be added by layering or dragging threads of coloured glass, and additional features such as handles could be applied similarly.
To discover more about Roman glass, please see our relevant blog posts: Ancient Glass and Collecting Ancient Glass
