Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Youthful Faces

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean, possibly Syria or Palestine

DateThird century

DimensionsH: 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm); H (Body): 2 in. (5.1 cm); Max Diam: 1 7/8 in. (4.7 cm); Rim Diam (seam to seam): 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); Base Diam: 1 1/2 in. (3.85 cm)

MediumRim and upper part of neck free blown. Lower part of neck and 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

1923.526

Not on View

DescriptionThis flask shows two youthful faces joined back to back. Each face has large, circular eyes, full cheeks, and rows of knob-like hair arranged in three tiers. The neck and rim were shaped by hand, while the body was formed in a mold. One face is slightly distorted from the production process, where excess glass slipped through a crack in 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. 154, p. 236.

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