Squat Square Bottle with One Handle
Squat Square Bottle with One Handle
Place of OriginAncient Rome
Date1st-2nd century CE
DimensionsH: 3 1/4 in.; W: 2 1/4 in.; D: 2 1/8 in.; Rim Diam: 1 1/2 in.; Handle height: 1 in.
MediumGlass; mold blown, tooled
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.950
On View
Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic
DescriptionThis small square bottle was made using a mold, allowing the glass to take on a regular shape while enabling the addition of hand-formed elements like the handle. The neck and mouth were shaped separately by hand. A raised design is visible on the base.
Label TextAlthough practical containers, the bottles displayed here have a subtle beauty which is enhanced by the vibrant blue and green glass used to make them. These bottles were formed using a technique called mold-blowing where a molten glass bubble was blown into a mold, forcing the bubble to conform to the mold’s shape. This technique allowed glass to be utilized as a medium for mass production by guaranteeing a standardization of shape, while at the same time giving the glassblower the option to add free-formed details such as handles.
1st-2nd Century
Early to Late 15th century
1st century CE
1st century CE
Probably second quarter of first century
1st-2nd century CE
Perhaps late first or second century
First half of the first century
Membership
Become a TMA member today
Support TMA
Help support the TMA mission