Double Head-shaped Flask: One Smiling Face, One Serious Face

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Double Head-shaped Flask: One Smiling Face, One Serious Face

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean, possibly Syria or Palestine

Date3rd century

DimensionsH: 3 1/8 in. (8.0 cm); H (body): 1 15/16 in. (4.9 cm); Max Diam: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); Rim Diam: 1 9/16 in. (4.0 cm); Base Diam (nose to nose): 1 7/16 in. (3.7 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

1923.514

Not on View

DescriptionThis Roman glass flask from the 3rd century CE is shaped like two faces placed back to back—one smiling and youthful, the other long-faced and serious. It was made by blowing the upper part by hand and shaping the body in a mold. Decorative details in the hair hide the seams from the mold. Each face has distinctive features, giving the vessel a lively, expressive character.

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. 156, pp. 237-238.

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