Bird-Shaped Vessel (Askos)

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Bird-Shaped Vessel (Askos)

Place of OriginSyro-Palestinian Coast

Date1st-2nd century CE

DimensionsH: 4 1/8 in. (16.4 cm); Rim Diam: 2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm); Body Diam: 2 1/2 in. (6.3 cm)

MediumGlass; free-blown and tooled.

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1923.1229

Not on View

DescriptionThis bird-shaped vessel, possibly an askos, is classified as free-blown and tooled glass. It is made of thin transparent natural grayish-green glass (near 10 GY 5/2, but more yellow) with a few small bubbles and no pontil mark visible. The vessel is shaped vaguely like a bird with a large round opening where the head would have been, featuring a funnel mouth with an unworked rim and a short cylindrical neck. The elongated ovoid body tapers to a long solid tail that curves upward in an “S” shape; the tail is grooved along the forward edge and top of the tip. The oval concave base is oriented lengthwise with a lengthwise ridge.

Label TextThis playful glass vessel is shaped to resemble a swimming bird, likely a swan, duck, or dove. Ancient glassmakers often took inspiration from the natural world, creating containers that were both functional and decorative. The S-shaped tail was created by drawing the hot glass out with tools while the vessel was still pliable. The wide funnel mouth suggests it may have been used to pour liquids, perhaps perfume or scented oils, similar to the ancient Greek vessel type known as an askos.