Glass double cosmetic flask (kohl tube)

Roman, Syrian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171

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 pontil scar; basket handle made from seven separate rods: on sides of body, two trails applied as pads, drawn up vertically in three tooled, angular loops, ending on top of rim; M-shaped trail applied as a large pad on top of one of the side trails, drawn across mouth to rim at junction of the two tubes, and ending on top of the other side trail; above this, trail drawn up and down, with acute angle at apex; then two trails applied to rim on either side of junction of the two tubes, draw up vertically, tooled in, and formed into two small round loops above, ending on top of apex; final trail applied to top of loops and drawn up and down, with acute angle at apex.

Complete, but cracks in two of the handle trails; pinprick and elongated bubbles in body, many black impurities in handle; pitting and dulling on exterior, brilliant iridescent weathering on interior.

This example has two compartments like many other cosmetic flasks but the elaborate trailed handle makes it more decorative than functional.

Glass double cosmetic flask (kohl tube), Glass, Roman, Syrian

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