Roman glass double cosmetic (kohl) tube
Blown in translucent blue/green glass. Double tube; rim folded out, up and in; ; straight wall curving at bottom; small flat base with pontil mark. Decoration of vertical zigzag trail at neck and spiral thread wound around body.

Handle missing. Losses to zigzag and thread. Body fractured, but complete and unrestored. Mineral deposits and beautiful iridescence. Flaking surface.

Syria c. 4th c. AD
4½" long

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Roman glass double cosmetics tubes are sometimes called "kohl tubes". Kohl was a black eye makeup worn by women in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire.

For a similar example, see John W. Hayes, "Roman and Pre-Roman Glass in the Royal Ontario Museum" (Toronto: Royal Ontario Museum, 1975), p.214, #454.

See also Susan B. Matheson, "Ancient Glass in the Yale University Art Gallery" (New Haven: Yale University Art Gallery, 1980), pp. 120-122, #321-328.