Miniature agate alabastron (perfume vase)

Unknown

late 1st century BCE–1st century CE · Agate · Greek and Roman Art

In Hellenistic and Roman times, vessels made in semiprecious stone were much sought after as symbols of wealth and sophistication. They were used as diplomatic gifts or treasured as heirlooms, and many of them found their way into royal tombs or imperial collections, both in antiquity and later. Their rarity also encouraged imitations in both glass and pottery.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 1st century BCE–1st century CE

Medium

Agate

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness, 1940