Roman Glass Flask with Applied Handles

Object Description

A pale green Roman glass flask featuring a bulbous body with a wide, trumpet-shaped neck which leads to a wide mouth with a folded rim. Two handles, in the same colour, have been applied from the shoulder to the rim, drawn up and outwards. The dimpled base features a pontil mark. The body features thin vertical grooves, giving it a melon shape. The top of the body leans slightly to one side, possibly due to the vessel sinking slightly as the glass was cooling down. Beautifully vivid iridescence covers the surface throughout.

Date: Circa 4th century AD

Object History

Ex Mayfair, London, UK, gallery, 1990s-2000s. From an important collection of glass, the property of a London gentleman.

Object Condition

Excellent condition. Earthly encrustation and iridescence throughout. Chip near the pontil mark.

Object Details