Odd-looking thing. Base for lamp, or vase? The hole on top looks threaded, suggesting there's something missing.
Ummm, A 3” lamp might not put out to many lumens in the old days, but yes, I can see the shape does come from those items. The thread is only a one twist deep. Very strange indeed. Thanks, there goes my incense theory. I’m thinking someone painted their walls yellow at some point.
Mr. google shows a match with a roman bronze balsamarium. Scroll down to item #5927 https://www.edgarlowen.com/a51ar.shtml As to what a balsamarium is, apparently, it is a type of unguentarium for holding balsam. For information on an unguentarium...…. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unguentarium
It is a kohl bottle from the Middle East. They are also used in South Asia. Kohl is black eyeliner worn on the inner rim of the eyelids, not just as make up, but it is though to prevent eye disease. The ring on the side is to hold the applicator. I have a modest collection myself, so I'd recognize these anywhere. Here are some more (not mine): Ottoman period Middle East: Vintage Middle East: Bactrian period Middle East:
This forum is unbelievable. What do you even type into google to find that *shocked*? Very amazed and grateful, thank you. So I paid $5 at an estate sale, I really like its shape Thanks @verybrad @Any Jewelry
You did well. I think yours is early to mid 20th century. You can add a little wooden applicator stick, just like this one which came with one of my antique kohl bottles:
Well to be honest, I was kinda excited to momentarily yet only possibly own a piece of Roman history . But very happy with this piece still and what it turned out to be. Wish it had the top part that twisted in. And now I have something new to read up on. @Any Jewelry, if you dont mind, I was wondering, how you estimate the age, is it the style, patina or both? Just trying to further my knowledge moving forward as to what I should look for. Currently I just fall back on things I find interesting. Thank you.
It is the way it is made, the patina and the rubbing. And seeing many like it. It isn't nice and smooth, like antique ones.
Kohl, kajal or surma is traditionally a mixture of herbal ash and almond oil. It is best applied by running the applicator lengthways between half-closed eyelid rims. Although some people get very mixed up and end up with blood-shot eyes:
@moreotherstuff, never an apology needed, I am grateful for everones input and you were spot on in the shape it has. *thumbs-up*