Glass perfume bottle
Unknown Artist
2nd half of 1st century CE
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
2 3/8in. (6cm) Other: 1 1/16in. (2.7cm) Diam. of rim: 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)
Classification
Glass
Culture & Period
Roman · Early Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.149
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This delicate glass perfume bottle, dating to the second half of the 1st century CE, hails from the Early Imperial Roman period—a time when the Roman Empire under emperors like Nero and the Flavians. Standing just 2 3/8 inches (6 cm) tall with a slender body and rim diameter of 3/4 inch (1.9 cm), it exemplifies the exquisite miniaturization of Roman glasswork, perfect for personal use in daily grooming or social rituals. Crafted from blown glass—a revolutionary technique invented around the 1st century BCE that allowed for affordable, mass-produced yet elegant vessels—this bottle highlights Rome's mastery of glassmaking. Transparent and lightweight, such unguentaria (perfume containers) held scented oils, perfumes, or cosmetics, essential for Roman hygiene, beauty practices, and even funerary offerings. Its simple, elongated form reflects the utilitarian elegance of everyday Roman luxury. Acquired as part of The Cesnola Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (purchased by subscription, 1874–76), this artifact offers a glimpse into the intimate sensory world of ancient Romans, bridging art, craft, and culture in the Greek and Roman Art department.