Miniature agate alabastron (perfume vase)

late 1st century BCE–1st century CE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 166

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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Miniature agate alabastron (perfume vase)
Period: Early Imperial
Date: late 1st century BCE–1st century CE
Culture: Roman
Medium: Agate
Dimensions: H.: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
Classification: Miscellaneous-Stone Vases
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness, 1940
Object Number: 40.61.2
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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