Fragment of Tall Square Bottle (Mercury Bottle)
Fragment of Tall Square Bottle (Mercury Bottle)
Place of OriginAncient Rome
Date2nd century CE
DimensionsH: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); W: 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
MediumGlass; mold-blown.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.1879
Not on View
DescriptionThick glass. Fabric cannot be determined because of weathering.
Transparent to translucent natural grayish yellow green (10 GY 7/2), but appearing moderate yellowish (5 GY 7/4) or pale yellowish (10 Y 7/2) depending on the light.
Body blown into one-part patterned mold. No pontil mark.
Shape of entire vessel like 1987.216. Concave base.
On underside of base, a seated male figure to left, draped in cloak with left leg uncovered. The figure appears to be sitting on a domed rock with vertical elements (the omphalos?). In upper right corner an A and in lower right corner an N, possibly from M A N C (clockwise) = M A C N (I) or M A C N (AE)I.
CLASSIFICATION: Isings 1957, Form 84.
3rd- 5th century CE
after 87-89 CE
Late 6th - early 7th century CE
First half of first century
5th-6th century CE
Mid- to late 4th century CE
Probably mid-fourth to mid-fifth century
3rd-4th century CE
4th-5th century CE
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