Cosmetic bottle (Sidonian mould-blown glass vessels), 1st century AD
Blue glass, blown in two-part mould, applied grey-violet handles
(H x Ø)8 × 4,2 cm
Place of originSuriyah
About the workWe smell with our eyes too – a good fragrance should seem precious and must not, under any circumstances, be cheaply packaged. In ancient times, this was no different from today. The colour of the perfume bottle emulates that of the gemstone lapis lazuli, while its decoration imitates expensive vessels made of materials such as precious metals. Among archaeologists, the term “Sidonian” relief glass has been adopted for these bottles, because this form of glass production likely began in the Phoenician (now Lebanese) city of Sidon. The city’s glassmaking capabilities were particularly famous among the Romans.
AccessionGift of Helmut Hentrich, 1973
Inventory numberP 1973-53
