Roman Glass Perfume or Oil Flask
Jerusalem, Roman Period, ca. 1st–3rd

A beautiful Roman free-blown glass flask from ancient Jerusalem, crafted to store precious perfumes, aromatic oils, ointments, or medicinal preparations. The vessel features a graceful pear-shaped body tapering into a slender cylindrical neck with a neatly folded rim, a classic form found throughout the Roman provinces of the Holy Land.

The translucent pale green glass has developed an exceptional earthy archaeological patina over nearly two millennia of burial. Rich mineral deposits, natural iridescence, and weathering create a striking surface that enhances both its authenticity and visual appeal. The vessel remains in excellent condition, preserving its elegant proportions and refined craftsmanship that made Roman glass among the most celebrated luxury wares of the ancient world.

An outstanding and unusually large example of Roman Holy Land glass, offering a tangible connection to the daily life and trade of ancient Jerusalem.

Provenance: Ex. Israel collection, Jerusalem; accompanied by Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) Export Approval No. 64730.