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Cameo glass

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Cameo glass

Place of OriginRoman Empire
Date1st century BCE - 4th century CE
DimensionsH: About 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm); W: 1 in. (2.5 cm)
MediumBichrome glass; mold-pressed and cut.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.1678
Not on View
DescriptionUpper part cobalt blue, the lower opaque white glass. Crude theatrical mask, deeply cut. Opaque blue on top half, opaque white on lower half. Back of appliqué curves inward sharply, as if it were attached to cylindrical handle or furniture leg. Ovoid mask done in high relief, with nearly feral characteristics -- doubly arched brows and V-furrows above nose, huge eyes with pupils drilled through, high cheekbones, flaring nostrils, and large open mouth (drilled through) with serrated lips. Very abstract rendering.
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Cameo glass
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