Elliptical Plate on Base Ring

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Elliptical Plate on Base Ring

Place of OriginEgypt, Fayum Oasis (possibly Karanis)

Date4th-5th century CE

DimensionsH: 1 15/16 in. (5 cm); W: 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); L: 9 1/16 in. (23 cm)

MediumGlass; free-blown, tooled.

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineBy exchange with the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, The University of Michigan Museum of Art

Object number

1988.3

Not on View

DescriptionA free-blown elliptical vessel made of transparent natural yellow-green glass (not matching standard rock color charts). The glass is thin, containing small spherical and ovoid bubbles, with a few large elongated bubbles visible. The rim is hollow, having been folded upward, outward, downward, and inward to create a durable edge. The body features straight sides that taper down to a flat bottom. A true base ring was applied separately and bears criss-crossing tool marks. On the underside of the base ring, there are post marks at four distinct points, suggesting the use of a specific holding instrument (possibly a "post" technique) during the finishing process.

Label TextIn 1988, the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) acquired objects 1988.3, 1988.4, and 1988.5 through an exchange with the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. Objects 1988.3 (formerly Kelsey 5005) and 1988.4 (formerly Kelsey 5014) were both published by Harden in 1936 as part of the Askren collection, originating from the Fayum, though not necessarily from Karanis. These pieces were acquired by the Kelsey Museum in 1925. Dr. David L. Askren, an American medical missionary in Egypt, practiced in the Fayum and later provided services to the University of Michigan's archaeological expeditions at Karanis and Dime. Object 1988.5 (formerly Kelsey 5352), acquired in the same exchange, has a different provenance: it was purchased from Maurice Nahman, a well-known dealer in Cairo, in 1927.Published ReferencesHarden, Donald B., Roman Glass from Karanis Found by the University of Michigan Archaeological Expedition in Egypt, 1924–29, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan Press, 1936, p. 318.