Glass double cosmetic flask (kohl tube)

Unknown

4th–5th century CE · Glass · Greek and Roman Art

Translucent blue green; handles and trail in same color. Thick, everted tubular rim, folded over and in; body comprising two tubes, side by side, made from a single inflated gather by pinching sides vertically to make diaphragm; pontil mark on thick, flattened bottom; two rod handles attached to body over trail decoration, drawn up, out, then turned in, and trailed onto top of body and edge of rim. Single fine trail applied to lower body, and wound up in a spiral nine times to mid-point of body, ending in a thicker trail overlapping trail under one handle. Body intact, but most of fine trail missing; some pinprick bubbles and blowing striations; dulling, pitting, and iridescent weathering on exterior, creamy weathering and soil encrustation on interior.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th–5th century CE

Medium

Glass

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891