Spool-Shaped Miniature Unguentarium

Unguentaria were small perfume or cosmetics bottles made from glass, with metal oxides added to vary the glass’ colour. They are the most common items of Roman blown glass, equally used in everyday life and deposited as grave goods. The latter containers are referred to as “tear bottles”, believed to have been used for collecting the tears of mourners. The shape of this particular unguentarium is characteristic of Roman Egypt.