A beautiful ancient Roman double-handled jar featuring striking iridescence. The body of the jar is ochre coloured and globular in shape, leading to a short neck before flaring to an everted mouth with a folded rim. Two handles of pale green glass has been applied from the shoulder to the rim on either side. The vessel rests upon a small concave base and displays a pontil mark. The surface of the glass is coated with a vivid blue-purple sheen and polychromatic iridescence. Earthy encrustations, flaking, scratches and dulling to the surface. Glass production evolved during the Roman Empire with the introduction of glassblowing, which allowed for a great variety of different shapes and styles to be constructed. The technique allowed for easier manipulation of the glass into more intricate designs allowing the vessels to have an assortment of functions. More expensive fluids, such as perfumes, medicines or oils would be placed in sprinkler flask so that their use was controlled. Different minerals were added to create a variety of colours; a deep blue tint was created by adding copper and changing the oxygen levels. Measurements: W 6.7cm x H 6.6cm Provenance: From an important London, UK, collection, 1970-1990s.