Glass cosmetic flask with four compartments (kohl tube)
Translucent blue green, appearing greenish blue at bottom; handle and trails in same color.
Rim folded out, round, and in; body comprising four tubes, side by side in a square, made from a single inflated gather by pinching sides vertically to make diaphragms; thick, flattened bottom with trace of pontil scar; basket handle made from three separate rods: two applied over trail decoration as vertical loops at sides, then a thicker rod applied on top of them in an arching loop.
On body, a single trail applied near base of side and drawn up in a spiral from left to right twenty-two times, ending below rim; four larger trails, one applied to side of each compartment, applied as large pads over spiral trail near base, then drawn up vertically in tooled loops, ending on top of rim.
Intact, but sections of spiral trail missing; some pinprick bubbles in body, many bubbles and some black impurities in handle and trails; pitting, dulling, and patches of iridescent weathering, some soil encrustation in one of tubes.
Rim folded out, round, and in; body comprising four tubes, side by side in a square, made from a single inflated gather by pinching sides vertically to make diaphragms; thick, flattened bottom with trace of pontil scar; basket handle made from three separate rods: two applied over trail decoration as vertical loops at sides, then a thicker rod applied on top of them in an arching loop.
On body, a single trail applied near base of side and drawn up in a spiral from left to right twenty-two times, ending below rim; four larger trails, one applied to side of each compartment, applied as large pads over spiral trail near base, then drawn up vertically in tooled loops, ending on top of rim.
Intact, but sections of spiral trail missing; some pinprick bubbles in body, many bubbles and some black impurities in handle and trails; pitting, dulling, and patches of iridescent weathering, some soil encrustation in one of tubes.
Artwork Details
- Title: Glass cosmetic flask with four compartments (kohl tube)
- Period: Late Imperial or Early Byzantine
- Date: 5th–6th century CE
- Culture: Roman, Syrian
- Medium: Glass; blown and trailed
- Dimensions: H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm)
- Classification: Glass
- Credit Line: Museum Accession
- Object Number: X.21.153
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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