Bulbous Lenticular Bottle with Two Handles

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean

Date3rd-4th century CE

DimensionsH: 8 9/16 in. (21. 9 cm); Rim Diam: 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); Body Diam: 5 in. (12.7 cm)

MediumGlass; blown in a mold, removed, twisted, free-blown and tooled.

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Mr. L. Schinasi

Object number

1930.26

Not on View

DescriptionTransparent pale green bottle with angular blue-green handles and applied coil decoration. The vessel was mold-blown using a single-part patterned mold with thirty vertical corrugations, then twisted and expanded, resulting in a dynamic spiraling surface. It was flattened on four sides and finished with a free-blown neck, flared rim rounded in the flame, and applied coils. The handles were folded back and pinched flat at the tips. Small bubbles and dark inclusions are visible throughout the glass. Surface iridescence and interior weathering indicate ancient burial and exposure.

Label TextThis delicate bottle was made by inflating molten glass into a mold, then twisting, expanding, and flattening it to create a lively spiraling pattern. Its elegant flaring rim and angular handles were shaped freehand, while the translucent green color came from the natural properties of the sand used in its production. Likely made in the Eastern Mediterranean in the 3rd or 4th century CE, the bottle shows both the technical skill and artistic flair of Roman glassmakers.Published References"A Gift of Ancient Glass," Toledo Museum of Art News, 59, February 1931, ill.