Gallo-Roman Unguentarium in the Getty Villa, June 2016

Title: Bottle (Unguentarium)

Artist/Maker: Unknown

Culture: Gallo-Roman

Place: Anthée (perhaps), Gaul (Place Created)

Date: A.D. 200–250

Medium: Bronze with mosaic enamel

Object Number: 96.AC.201

Dimensions: 10.7 cm (4 3/16 in.)

Credit Line: Gift of Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman

Alternate Title: Cosmetics Container (Display Title)

Department: Antiquities

Classification: Implements

Object Type: Bottle

Roman craftsmen constructed this unusually shaped bronze bottle from six trapezoidal panels soldered together and set on a tall foot. Mosaic glass, in the floral design referred to in the past as millefiori, has been fused into recesses in each of the side panels and around the neck of the vessel. Small panels of white rosettes set in blue glass adorn the upper and lower areas of the side panels; the middle areas have deteriorated and discolored. Blue and vermilion enamel decorate the handle attachments and the lid.

The bottle's hexagonal shape and its colorful enamel decoration are both hallmarks of workshops in northern Gaul and the Rhineland.

Text from: www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/29678/unknown-maker-bottle-unguentarium-gallo-roman-ad-200-250