Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Youthful Faces
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.
Third century
Probably early third century
Probably late third or fourth century
Probably 19th or early 20th century
Probably late second century
Perhaps second century
Nineteenth century
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