Unknown Maker, Roman

Intended to contain makeup or perfume, this diminutive cosmetic jar (unguentarium) is a testament to the skill of ancient glass artists. Most likely made in a Syrio-Palestinian workshop, this piece is an excellent example of glassblowing techniques. To make this vessel, hot glass was gathered on the end of a long blowpipe and rolled against a flat surface, a process known as marvering. The marbled look of the surface was achieved by rolling the hot vessel in chips of colored glass, reheating it, and swirling the colors together. It was then inflated like a balloon by blowing gently into the pipe, causing the swirls of color to stretch. The final shape was achieved by spinning and simpletooling; the ribs were pulled out with a pincer tool while the piece was still hot.