Artifact – Antiquity – Black-glazed Terracotta Unguentarium – Archaeology

Period: 2nd – 1st century BC Origin: Western Mediterranean, probably Southern Italy or Southern Gaul Provenance: Former private collection, acquired before 1970 Unguentarium in black-glazed terracotta, complete, with a globular body resting on a flat base, a slender neck and a lip flared into a disc. This type of small, very sober container belongs to the repertoire of Campanian ceramics disseminated during the Hellenistic and Roman Republican periods. Description: • Material: light brown paste, surface covered with a partially chipped black glaze • Shape: rounded body, straight neck, marked disc lip, reserved flat base • Surface: deposits and concretions due to burial, consistent wear • Technical traces: visible throwing, rapid finishing at the base Use: Unguentaria were used to contain perfumed oils, balms or precious liquids. Widespread in funerary contexts, they accompanied the deceased as toiletry items or as symbolic deposits linked to embalming rites. Condition: complete, with wear to the varnish, concretions and small chips on the lip and belly. Dimensions: • Height: approx. 7.5 cm All deliveries are made by DHL Express only.