Ancient Greece, bronze miniature Jug

600 - 500 BC

€ 450.00 VAT margin scheme

Article code: 23-1539

Ancient Greece, bronze miniature jug . Linear decorations on the body, chanelled spout, linear decorations on the body and a single handle. A beautiful piece with an elegant shape and attractive patina, used for scented and perfumed oils.

Height: ± 42 mm

Diameter: ± 32,2 mm maximum

Condition: good solid condition, base of the ringed foot is missing, attractive smooth green patina. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.

Quantity

In antiquity, oils were employed for more than culinary or lighting purposes. They served as medicine and and were an essential part of bathing rituals. Bodies were rubbed with oil and pumice, then scraped clean using a curved bronze tool known as a strigil.

Olive or almond oils were blended with fragrant flowers and aromatic herbs and used to perfume clothing, scent the bathwater, for massages and vast quantities were used in religious ceremonies.

Public bathhouses were filled with essential oils for aromatherapy. A particular favourite was lavender for relaxation, reduce depression or treat eczema or nausea. Women wore signature perfumes that were mixtures of essential oils like roses, myrrh, cinnamon or saffron.
Herbs or plants were mixed with oils for their health benefits. Fennel calms the nerves and helps to heal wounds, cedarwood relieves pain and is antibacterial. Elecampane helps the digestive tract and was recommended by Theophrastus for treating the bites of vipers, spiders and pine caterpillars in his Historia Plantarum.