1st-2nd century AD. A piriform glass sandcore marbled flask (unguentarium) of pale mottled-green glass, with wide and everted rim; a neck with slight constriction at the base; and a pear-shaped body, standing on a flat, though slightly irregular base. Cf. Hayes, J.W., Roman and Pre-Roman Glass in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, 1975, see nos.107, 226, 232. 31.1 grams, 91mm (3 1/3"). Ex North London gentleman; formerly in an important glass collection, 1970-1999. Unguentaria were amongst the most common objects of Roman blown glass: produced in large numbers, being items of every day use for keeping expensive unguents and cosmetic oils. By the 1st century AD the technique of glass-blowing had revolutionised the art of glass-making, allowing for the production of small medicine, incense, and perfume containers in new forms. The small body and mouth allowed the user carefully to pour and control the amount of liquid dispensed, and glass was the material of choice for storing oils because it was not porous. These small glass (or ceramic) bottles are found frequently at Roman sites, especially in cemeteries.