A Roman glass aryballos. 1st-2nd century AD. 6.6cm high. From an esteemed American collection

An aryballos is a small spherical, or globular, flask with a narrow neck. It was used to contain perfume or oil, and is often depicted in vase paintings being used by athletes during bathing. In these depictions, the vessel is sometimes attached by a strap to the athlete's wrist, or hung by a strap from a peg on the wall.