Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Chubby Childlike Faces

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Double Head-shaped Flask: Two Similar Chubby Childlike Faces

Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean, Possibly Syria or Palestine

DateProbably early 3rd century

DimensionsH: 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm);
H Body: 1 7/8 in. (4.7 cm);
Max Diam: 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm);
Diam Rim: 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm);
Diam Base (nose to nose): 1 3/8 in. (3.43 cm)

MediumRim and upper portion of 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

1923.518

Not on View

DescriptionThis Roman glass flask is shaped like two youthful heads joined back to back. The faces are rounded and childlike, with small features and patterned rows of hair. It was made by blowing molten glass into a two-part mold, with the mouth and neck shaped separately. The flask’s pale olive color and molded details reflect the style and glassmaking techniques used in the Eastern Mediterranean during the third century.

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. 151, pp. 234-235.

Arts, P.L.W., "A Collection of Ancient Glass 500 BC - 500 AD," ANTIEK Lochem, 2000, p. 112.