Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Grotesque Heads
Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Grotesque Heads
Place of OriginProbably Eastern Mediterranean
DateProbably late third or fourth century
DimensionsH: 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm); Diam: 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm)
MediumGlass
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.428
Not on View
DescriptionThis mold-blown glass flask, classified as a double head-shaped vessel, is made from transparent streaked manganese-colored glass of medium thin fabric, though weathering prevents further fabric analysis. The rim and neck were free-blown, while the ovoid body was formed in a two-part vertical mold, likely open at the base (MCT IX). Mold seams are visible through the acanthus leaf joining the two heads, but not on the base. The relief is moderately crisp, and the base bears a pontil scar approximately 1.2 cm in diameter. The flaring rim is irregularly thickened and rounded in flame with an interior tool mark. The tubular neck bulges slightly above a constriction and transitions into the shoulder via a projecting roll formed by overblow. The flask features two grotesque heads back-to-back, each with identical features: bulging knobby eyes under arched brows, short detailed nose, frowning mouth, cleft chin, puffed cheeks, and no hair. A horizontal ridge over the brow is surmounted by small circular knobs, and a double roll under the chin—centered by a round element—may reference the knotted snakes of Medusa. Each mold seam is disguised by a large acanthus leaf, with five or four lobes per side.
Published ReferencesDavid F.Grose, "Ancient Glass," TMA Museum News, 1978, 78, 82, fig. 19.
Stern, 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. 160, pp. 240-241, color plate 27, p. 62.
Late 2nd to early 3rd century CE
Third century
Perhaps late first or second century
Workshop of the Floating Handles
first half CE 1st century
Probably early third century
1st century BCE - 4th century CE
Probably 19th or early 20th century
Second half of the 1st century CE
Probably late third or fourth century
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