Glass ligula (ear pick)

1st century CE or later

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171

Translucent greenish yellow, with applied bowl in same color.
Long rod as handle with square cross section in middle and spirally twisted at both ends; a small circular, almost flat bowl applied at one end.
Broken at one end with point missing; iridescent weathering.

Similar implements, often described as cosmetic spoons, were made in metal and bone; some examples are also displayed in Gallery 171, Case 17.

Artwork Details

Overview

References

Title: Glass ligula (ear pick)
Period: Imperial
Date: 1st century CE or later
Culture: Roman
Medium: Glass; drawn, twisted, and tooled
Dimensions: H.: 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Classification: Glass
Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Object Number: 17.194.355
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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