121 - BALSAMAIRE

BALSAMAIRE Cobalt-blue glass H. 8 cm x Diam. 5 cm ( H.3 ¹/8 x Diam.2 inches) Eastern Mediterranean, 1st-3rd century Provenance European collection, acquired on the English art market in the 1990s A globular blown glass balsam jar with a short flared neck ending in an outwardly folded lip forming a bead. The glass, originally dark blue or cobalt, now shows spectacular alteration, with a silvery-blue iridescence and significant beige concretions testifying to long burial. The spherical body rests on a slightly flattened base. Overall stable condition with significant surface alteration. Iridescence present and adherent mineral concretions testifying to a long stay in a humid environment. The patina, although marked, does not affect the legibility of the shape. A Roman Eastern Mediterranean Blown Glass Balsamarium with flared neck. 1st-3rd century A.D. Balsamarium of globular form in blown glass, with short flared neck ending in an outfolded rim forming a rounded collar. The glass, originally dark blue or cobalt, now shows alteration with silvery-bluish iridescence and significant beige concretions indicating long burial. The spherical body rests on a slightly flattened base. Stable overall condition with significant surface alteration. Pronounced iridescence and adherent mineral concretions indicating long stay in humid environment. The patina, though marked, does not affect the legibility of the form.