A fine Roman iridescent green/blue glass amphoriskos with folded handles,
3rd – 4th century A.D.
The amphoriskos (literally, little amphora) is a miniature of the amphora, a popular shape used throughout antiquity, and was probably used as a storage vessel for oils, perfumes or cosmetics. This lovely example is elegant in both form and decoration. The simple form was free blown, a process where molten glass is inflated and then fashioned into a vessel by the artisan without the aid of mold, resulting in a long, graceful body that still retains its fine translucency. The vessel is decorated with deep aquamarine trailings after the vessel was formed: an applied ring under the rim, a ring around the neck, and most importantly, twin vertical handles that were applied at the shoulders and then pulled up, and out, to continue down the body in undulating ripples.
Condition: The amphora is intact and in excellent condition overall. Some iridescence is present primarily on the outer surface that appears stable. There is a layer of dirt on both the inside and outside. There is no apparent damage to the flask.
Dimensions: height 7.5 inches (19 centimeters)
Provenance: From a private San Francisco collection, California.
Sands of Time Ancient Art 