13/10/2026
A beautiful Roman glass Unguentarium ( also known as a balsamarium or lacrimarium ("tear bottle"), is a used to hold expensive perfumes, oils, and liquids. This highly translucent bottle has just a slight hue of pale green. The 'blotching' on the bottle is encrusted material that has become adhered due to millennia in the earth.
Due to the narrow, pointed base, these vessels were often hung from decorative holders, which were also works of art by themselves. Some might be as simple as a wooden rack or an elaborate precious metal suspension device.
From advanced scientific testing using Mass Spectrometry Gas Chromatography (MS-GC), we know that many scents used by wealthy Patrician ladies (and men) had complicated ingredients that are still used in various cosmetics today.
It was not uncommon for a lady of high standing to have a room in her domus/villa for the purpose of her trusted body slaves bathing her, dressing her hair, or selecting wigs (some women had cropped short hair, so numerous wigs were used for a different look daily), choosing her clothing, jewellery, skin care, and application of moisture creams and perfumes. Skin whiteners were heavily used by some Roman ladies with a darker olive complexion, as rich people with pale skin made the appearance of great wealth, signifying that they did not have to work out in the sun.
This piece is on display at the Princeton University Museum and dates to the 2nd Century AD.
Graeco-Roman History
