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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1157609
FOR SALE
£900
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Set of 4 Ancient Roman Glass Unguentaria, Provenance, Early Industrial Cleveland Box, 2nd–3rd C Ad
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €1,053     $1,143
£900
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Id #SA1157609
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Set of 4 Ancient Roman Glass Unguentaria, Provenance, Early Industrial Cleveland Box, 2nd–3rd C Ad

Pre 16th century
Description

A rare and desirable group of four ancient Roman glass unguentaria, each miniature vessel crafted in the core-formed technique, with striking blue and white “trail” decoration. Dating from the Hellenistic to Roman period, 2nd century BC – 3rd century AD. Heights range from 5.5 to 6.1 cm. Overall in excellent archaeological condition for their age; one example with a crack at the neck, otherwise unrestored and retaining attractive burial patina.

This exceptional set is presented in its original early 20th-century collector’s box, marked “The Cleveland Twist Drill Co., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.” — a leading American manufacturer of precision drill bits founded in 1876 and merged into Acme-Cleveland in 1968. The industrial provenance indicates the set likely belonged to an Anglo-American engineer or collector, adding further historical significance and confirming the authenticity and long-standing collection history of the objects.

Provenance:

Early 20th-century English gentleman’s collection, original industrial box with period postal labels and British stamps.

Comparable examples:

British Museum (GR 1856,1226.1276); Timeline Auctions (June 2023, lot 242).

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Roman Glass Unguentaria Set to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1157609
Description
A rare and desirable group of four ancient Roman glass unguentaria, each miniature vessel crafted in the core-formed technique, with striking blue and white “trail” decoration. Dating from the Hellenistic to Roman period, 2nd century BC – 3rd century AD. Heights range from 5.5 to 6.1 cm.
“
Overall in excellent archaeological condition for their age; one example with a crack at the neck, otherwise unrestored and retaining attractive burial patina.
Gillers Antiques Ltd
fig 1. A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box.
fig 1. Set of 4 Ancient Roman Glass Unguentaria, Provenance, Early Industrial Cleveland Box, 2nd–3rd C Ad

This exceptional set is presented in its original early 20th-century collector’s box, marked “The Cleveland Twist Drill Co., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.” — a leading American manufacturer of precision drill bits founded in 1876 and merged into Acme-Cleveland in 1968. The industrial provenance indicates the set likely belonged to an Anglo-American engineer or collector, adding further historical significance and confirming the authenticity and long-standing collection history of the objects.

fig 2. A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box.
fig 2. Set of 4 Ancient Roman Glass Unguentaria, Provenance, Early Industrial Cleveland Box, 2nd–3rd C Ad

Provenance:

Early 20th-century English gentleman’s collection, original industrial box with period postal labels and British stamps.

Comparable examples:

British Museum (GR 1856,1226.1276); Timeline Auctions (June 2023, lot 242).

fig 3. A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box.
fig 3. Set of 4 Ancient Roman Glass Unguentaria, Provenance, Early Industrial Cleveland Box, 2nd–3rd C Ad

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Roman Glass Unguentaria Set to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1157609
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box.
1 / 14
Archive I A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box.

Set of 4 Ancient Roman Glass Unguentaria, Provenance, Early Industrial Cleveland Box, 2nd–3rd C Ad

Archive II A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View II
Archive III A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View III
Archive IV A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View IV
Archive V A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View V
Archive VI A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View VI
Archive VII A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View VII
Archive VIII A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View VIII
Archive IX A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View IX
Archive X A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View X
Archive XI A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View XI
Archive XII A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View XII
Archive XIII A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View XIII
Archive XIV A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box. View XIV
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Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
Sold
564
A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box.
Set of 4 Ancient Roman Glass Unguentaria, Provenance, Early Industrial Cleveland Box, 2nd–3rd c AD
Ref: SA1157609
A set of four small ancient Roman glass unguentaria with blue bodies, white trailed decoration, and small handles resting inside a cardboard box.
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FAQs

Roman glass unguentaria were small flasks designed to hold scented oils, perfumes, ointments, and medicinal salves. They were widely used across the Roman Empire in daily grooming routines, public baths, and funerary rituals.

Core-formed glass vessels were crafted by shaping molten glass around a removable core made of clay and organic material. Decorative glass threads of contrasting colours were trailed onto the surface and combed into feather or zigzag patterns before cooling.

Authenticity is evaluated by examining surface weathering, iridescence, pontil marks, glass thickness, and manufacturing traits consistent with ancient production methods. Genuine pieces often retain small soil deposits or weathering crusts.

Ancient glass vessels are ideal for display inside glass-fronted cabinets, on bookshelves, or atop floating shelves where surrounding light illuminates the translucent details. Displaying small vessels as a curated group creates a compelling focal point.

Ancient glass should be kept in a stable climate free from high humidity and direct sunlight. Cleaning should be limited to gentle dusting with a soft dry brush, avoiding water or solvents that could damage fragile surface layers.
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