Glass two-handled bottle (amphora)

Unknown

1st half of 1st century CE · Glass, purple · Greek and Roman Art

Translucent purple, with same color handles. Everted rim, folded over, in and down into mouth; cylindrical neck, flaring at base to join sloping shoulder; elongated piriform body, tapering to pointed base with rounded end; two strap handles with vertical ribbing attached to shoulder, drawn up vertically, turned inward, one in a curve, the other at a right angle, and trailed on to neck below rim. Intact; minor patches of soil encrustation; some dulling and iridescent weathering. This deep purple vase is remarkable for its size and elegant simplicity. No close parallel is known, but it may be regarded as a rare masterpiece of early Roman blown glass.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1st half of 1st century CE

Medium

Glass, purple

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Renée E. and Robert A. Belfer, 2012