Double Head-shaped Jug with Coil Handle: Two Chubby Faces, One Smiling, One Serious
Double Head-shaped Jug with Coil Handle: Two Chubby Faces, One Smiling, One Serious
Place of OriginProbably inland Palestine or Syria
DateFourth century
DimensionsH: 5 3/16 in. (13.2 cm); H (Body): 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm); Max Diam: 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm); Rim Diam: 2 3/16 in. (5.5 cm); Base Diam: 1 7/8 in. (4.7 cm)
MediumGlass; Rim, mouth and neck free blown. 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
1923.512
Not on View
DescriptionThis small Roman jug from the 4th century CE is shaped like two childlike heads placed back to back—one with a smile, the other more serious. Made from yellow glass with a green handle, the vessel was formed in a mold and finished by hand. The fine details in the hair and faces highlight the skill of ancient glassmakers. A decorative handle curls from the shoulder to the rim, making the piece both whimsical and functional.
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. 164, pp. 243-244.
Probably 19th or early 20th century
Probably early third century
Third century
Third century
Probably late third or fourth century
Probably late third century
Perhaps 2nd century
Probably late second century
Perhaps second century
Membership
Become a TMA member today
Support TMA
Help support the TMA mission