Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Female Faces

Expand

IIIFView PDF

Images(2)

Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Female Faces

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean, possibly inland Palestine or Syria

DateProbably late second century

DimensionsH: 4 1/2 in. (11.5 cm); H (Body): 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); Max Diam: 2 1/2 in. (6.3 cm); Rim
Diam: 1 15/16 in. (5.0 cm); Base Diam (along the seam): 1 9/16 in. (4.0 cm)

MediumRim and neck free blown. Body blown into a two-part mold of two vertical sections, each including one-half of the base (MCT VIII).

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1923.525

Not on View

DescriptionThis flask features two identical female faces placed back to back, with wide eyes, defined cheekbones, small mouths, and prominent chins. Decorative knobs and ridges form the hairstyle around each face. The body was shaped using a two-part mold, and the neck and rim were made by hand. The purple-streaked glass may reflect the region where it was produced. One face was slightly distorted during its removal from the mold.

Published ReferencesStern, E. Marianne, Roman Mold-blown Glass: the First through Sixth Centuries, "L'Erma" di Bretschneider in Association with the Toledo Museum of Art, Rome, Italy, 1995, cat. no. 145, pp. 226-227.