Ca. 100-300 AD A heavy cast bronze balsamarium, in beautiful patinated condition. The vessel has a tall, cylindrical body with a gently flared shoulder, a narrowed neck with a double-ringed mouth, and two flats. A round lid with a plug-like handle fits neatly into the mouth. Two chains, composed of round bronze links, extend from the handles and top of the lid to a ring for hanging the vessel. Balsamarium were, as the name would suggest, used for holding balsam, the resinous, sap-like product of many different plants, as well as the oil used by athletes to clean their skin. For similar see: The British Museum accession number: 1868,0601.3.Size: L:103mm / W:53mm; 160g Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.