Glass flask
Plain, vertical rim with flattened top lip; slightly funnel-shaped, cylindrical neck; lentoid body, tapering downward to thick, pointed bottom, with pontil scar on tip; two rod handles applied as pads to sides at top of body, drawn up vertically, then turned in horizontally, and trailed onto middle of neck.
One trail wound once round outside edge of rim in high relief; another similar trail wound round base of neck; and a third trail applied around body in an irregular zigzag pattern in low relief.
Body intact, but broken around top of neck with two sections missing and weathered edges; some pinprick bubbles; surface pitting, dulling, and small areas of soil encrustation and milky weathering on exterior, thicker encrustation and weathering on interior.
The flask had previously been restored and provided with two pieces to fill the gaps in the rim trail. These, however, do not belong, despite the fact that they match the color of the trail; they are probably parts of a small glass bracelet.
Artwork Details
- Title: Glass flask
- Period: Late Imperial
- Date: 4th–5th century CE
- Culture: Roman
- Medium: Glass; blown and trailed
- Dimensions: H.: 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
- Classification: Glass
- Credit Line: Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915
- Object Number: 30.115.6
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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