What might this lovely amphora have held when the Roman Empire was at its height? Fine oils to bathe the skin of a princess? A wine of rare and costly vintage? An attar made from a thousand crushed roses? Surely the vessel must have contained something as perfectly delicate as itself, something luxurious, pleasing to the senses. Alas! Time has caused the contents to vanish, but has consoled the vessel for its loss with a shimmering iridescence. Its appeal transcends the ages: as we delight in its beauty, we share our pleasure with those who beheld it long ago.