Description
Two ointments. Rome, 1st-2nd century AD. Glass. In good condition. Provenance: private collection. Certificate dated 1970 is attached. Measurements: 11 x 8 cm and 8 x 6 cm. The first of the small jugs has a globular body with a lip mouth and a handle that joins body and mouth. Its somewhat irregular perimeter makes it difficult to keep stable and easy to repair. It was used as an ointment in a gynoecium. The second has a periform body, a short neck and a mouth with a lip. The body is decorated with grooves. It may also have been used in a female gynaecum. The use of glass began to become widespread from the 1st century AD, following the discovery of the blowing technique around 40 BC in the eastern part of the Mediterranean coast. This technique was a major revolution and spread rapidly. Blown glass offered great advantages over other materials because it did not change the taste of the food it contained and was more impermeable than terracotta. In addition, the blowing technique made it possible to produce pieces in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and also to produce them more quickly. On the other hand, glass pieces were easier to clean, so it soon became the favourite material for domestic use.
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