A very fine core formed glass amphoriskos with pale, high arched trailed handles applied from shoulder to just below the rim. The dark blue/black vessel is decorated with yellow marvered trailing encircle the neck, shoulder and lower body of the vessel in spiraling bands and are formed into zigzag or feathering patterns on the body. The base of the vessel narrows and ends in a tip of pale glass that marches the handles.
Core-formed (also known as sandcore) vessels were created by trailing decorative threads of molten glass over a core of sand, mud or clay, to form a vase. Once the glass was in place, the threads could be dragged into decorative patterns, such as the feathered pattern on this amphoriskos. The amphoriskos (literally, little amphora) is a miniature of the amphora, a popular shape used throughout antiquity, and designed to store and transport small quantities of valuable cosmetic products such as oils, perfumes or cosmetics. The form closely resembles that of the wine amphorae, of which this is a miniature imitation and a luxury version of the mass produced clay examples.
Condition: The vessel is intact and in very good condition overall.
Dimensions: height 5 inches (12.7 centimeters)
Provenance: From a private San Francisco collection, California.
