Roman Glass Flask with Handles

Object Description

An exquisite Roman flask mold-blown from translucent, olive green glass. The vessel features a rounded body which tapers in towards the base. Above is a cylindrical neck leading to a flared mouth. The flask sits upon a concave base with a visible pontil mark. Dark blue and purple glass handles have been attached to either side from the lower neck to the shoulder. The same colour glass has been applied around the outer side of the mouth and a single trailing band around the neck below the handles. The body has been enriched with diagonal, spiralling bands starting from the shoulder. Large, vertical, tooled ribs in deep relief continue down the body.

Date: Circa 4th century AD

Object History

Private collection, USA, 1989, with Antiquarium Ltd, New York. The Nico F. Bijnsdorp collection, acquired from the above on 3rd October 2009.

Object Condition

Excellent condition, minor iridescence and encrustation to the surface as consistent with age.

Object Details