Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Idealized Faces Perhaps Medusas

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Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Idealized Faces Perhaps Medusas

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean, Possibly Syria or Palestine

Date3rd century

DimensionsH: 3 7/16 in. (8.8 cm); Rim Diam: 1 1/4 in. (3.1 cm); Diam: 1 15/16 in. (4.9 cm); Base Diam: 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)

MediumGlass; rim and neck free blown. Body blown into a two-part mold of two vertical sections, probably open at the base (MCT IX).

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1923.459

Not on View

DescriptionThis flask is formed from medium thin glass in a translucent manganese-colored grayish red purple glass (near 5 RP 4/2, but more red). Numerous elongated vertical bubbles are visible in the neck. The rim and neck were free blown, while the body was blown into a two-part mold with vertical sections, likely open at the base (MCT IX). Mold seams are concealed within the hair at the junction of the two heads, and there is no seam on the underside of the base. The relief is moderately crisp, and no pontil mark is present. The vessel features a flaring hollow rim that is folded outward, upward, and inward, atop a tubular neck that tapers upward. The body, shaped as two heads back to back, rests on a circular flat base. Both faces display a prominent arched browline, large hollow eyes, a small indistinct mouth, and a collar-shaped band beneath the chin. The hair on side A is knobby and arranged in two tiers, while side B has irregular tufts and ridges, also in two tiers.

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. 153, pp. 235-236.

Arts, P.L.W., "A Collection of Ancient Glass 500 BC - 500 AD," ANTIEK Lochem, 2000, p. 112.