Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Chubby Childlike Faces

Image Not Available

Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Chubby Childlike Faces

Place of OriginAncient Rome, Eastern Mediterranean, Syria or Palestine

DateProbably early third century

DimensionsH: 3 1/16 in. (7.8 cm); Rim Diam: 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm); Max Diam: 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm); Base Diam: 1 3/8 in. (3.6 cm)

MediumGlass; mold blown

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1923.521

Not on View

DescriptionTransparent deep blue (not in rock color chart). Thin glass. Blowing spirals. Vertically elongated bubbles in neck. Rim and neck free blown. Body blown into a two-part mold of two vertical sections, probably open at the base (MCT IX). Mold seams concealed in hair at junction of heads. No mold seam on underside of base. Relief moderately crisp. No pontil mark. Flaring rim, folded outward, upward, inward, and downward. Tubular neck tapering upward. Body in the shape of a double head. Oval base, with slight depression in center of underside. Body in the shape of two heads back to back with similar childlike features: prominent arched browline, large round eyes, fat cheeks, large nose, and small mouth with dimples at the corners. Face A is more exaggerated than face B, with larger eyes, fleshier features, and a very broad jaw. The hair around both faces is rendered as distinct, evenly spaced knobs arranged in three regular tiers (only two tiers on the right side of face A) framing the face to chin level.

Published ReferencesStern, E. Marianne, Roman Mold-blown Glass: The First through Sixth Centuries, Rome, "L'Erma" di Bretschneider, 1995, p. 234, no. 150. Arts, P.L.W., "A Collection of Ancient Glass 500 BC - 500 AD," ANTIEK Lochem, 2000, p. 112.