Hexagonal Bottle, Mixed Symbols Type, Series A

Place of OriginRoman Empire, probably Phoenicia, maybe Sidon, Galilee

DateProbably second quarter to mid-1st century

DimensionsH: 3 7/16 in. (8.68 cm); Rim Diam: 15/16 in. (2.45 cm); Diam: 1 9/16 in. (3.95 cm); Base Diam: 15/16 in. (2.4 cm)

MediumGlass

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1923.463

Not on View

DescriptionThis hexagonal bottle belongs to the Mixed Symbols Type, Series A1, Generation A1b–yy. It is made of translucent dark blue glass with medium-thick walls and a notably thick base. The neck and shoulder were free blown, while the body was formed using a three-part mold comprising two vertical sections and a cup-shaped base (MCT V A). Mold seams—likely located between panels 6 and 1 and panels 3 and 4—are difficult to discern due to the vessel’s indistinct relief, though the mold sections are exceptionally well aligned. Dot-shaped punch marks outline the motifs, and three concentric rings of chill marks are visible on the underside of the base. The rim is folded outward, upward, and inward. The cylindrical neck transitions smoothly into a rounded shoulder, and the upward-sloping bottom connects to a hexagonal body resting on a flat base with a small recessed cylindrical cavity and central bump. The undecorated shoulder sits above six rectangular panels on the body. Each panel contains a unique motif: (1) a wreath or crown of olive leaves; (2) a footed amphora with globular body and tall handles; (3) a convex circular object with flat edge, possibly a patera or tympanon; (4) a shepherd’s crook; (5) a spouted, footed jug with a high handle; and (6) a conical boss with ten radiating lines. Twenty-five upturned tongues encircle the lower part of the vessel.

Published ReferencesStern, E. Marianne, Roman Mold-Blown Glass: The First Through Sixth Centuries, Rome, Italy, "L'Erma" di Bretschneider in association with the Toledo Museum of Art, 1995, cat. no. 44, pp. 141-142, color pl. 9, p. 54.