Banded agate amphoriskos (perfume bottle)

Unknown

late 1st century BCE–early 1st century CE · Banded 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–early 1st century CE

Medium

Banded agate

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Sid R. Bass Gift, in honor of Annette de la Renta, and Rogers Fund, 2001