Glass double cosmetic flask (kohl tube)

4th–5th century CE
Not on view
Translucent blue green; handles in same color.
Everted rim, folded in and down sides of neck; body comprising two tubes, side by side, made from a single inflated gather by pinching sides vertically to make diaphragm; thick, flattened bottom with central pontil mark; two handles applied to sides of body as pads, drawn up vertically in four tooled, angular loops, ending on top of rim and pinched off above.
Intact; some pinprick bubbles, blowing striations, and glassy impurities in body; dulling, iridescence, and whitish weathering, with patches of soil encrustation.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Glass double cosmetic flask (kohl tube)
  • Period: Late Imperial
  • Date: 4th–5th century CE
  • Culture: Roman, Syrian
  • Medium: Glass; blown, tooled, and trailed
  • Dimensions: H. of body: 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm)
  • Classification: Glass
  • Credit Line: Gift of Miss Ida H. Ogilvie, 1952
  • Object Number: 52.109.1
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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