Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Youthful Faces

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean, Possibly Syria or Palestine

DateThird century

DimensionsH: 3 3/8 in. (8.7 cm); Rim Diam: 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); Diam: 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm); Base Diam: 1 7/16 in. (3.6 cm)

MediumGlass; rim 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

1923.460

Not on View

DescriptionThis flask, classified as glass, is made from medium thin material in transparent natural yellow-green glass; the exact color and fabric cannot be determined due to weathering. The rim and upper neck were free blown, while the lower neck and body were blown into a two-part mold of vertical sections, likely open at the base (MCT IX). Mold seams are concealed in the hair at the junction of the two heads; no seam appears on the underside of the base. Relief is moderately crisp, and there is no pontil mark. The horizontal rim is folded outward, upward, inward, and flattened. The tubular neck includes a bulge on one side above a constriction marking the top of the mold. The body is formed as two youthful heads placed back to back. Face A has a prominent browline, large round bulging eyes, a narrow nose, and slightly parted straight lips. Face B is more planar, with a pronounced browline, protruding eyes, wide flat nose, massive cheeks, and a broad chin with little transition to the neck. Both faces are framed by circular knobs of hair, with some ridged sections above the forehead.

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. 155, pp. 236-237.

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