Hexagonal Jug

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean, probably Syria

DateSixth to early seventh centuries

DimensionsH: 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm); Diam (rim): 1 1/4 in. (3.15 cm); Diam (body): 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm); Diam Base: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)

MediumMold blown; applied rim and handle

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1923.1349

Not on View

DescriptionThis hexagonal jug is made of thin glass that appears transparent natural pale green (10 G 6/2) with a translucent similarly colored coil and handle. The glass contains blowing spirals, medium-sized vertically elongated bubbles in the neck, and black specks in the handle. The mouth and neck were free blown, while the body was probably blown into a multipart mold with a base plate. The mold relief is crisp. The pontil mark is approximately 1.4 cm in diameter, and the excess glass at the tip of the handle continues into the rim coil. The jug has a circular mouth with an unworked rim edge and an added rim coil. The neck tapers gently with a slightly sloped shoulder. The hexagonal body tapers downward to a kicked base. A curved coil handle is applied to the shoulder above panel one and attached to the upper neck, continuing as the rim coil. Around the top edge of the rim is a coil trailed from left to right. The body displays six decorated rectangular panels in sunken relief. In order, the panels include: 1) a vertical column of four lozenges with a circle in the center of each; 2) a lattice pattern; 3) a stylized palm branch with thirteen leaves on each side; 4) the same design as panel one; 5) the same as panel two; and 6) a stylized palm branch with sixteen leaves on each side. On the underside of the base, a twelve-petaled rosette appears in sunken relief.

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. 178, p. 260.