Ancient Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. 4th to 2nd century BCE. An elegant and early example of a core-formed glass amphoriskos (miniature amphora) once used to contain perfumed oil. The tapered piriform body has a gently sloped shoulder, a cylindrical neck surmounted by a petite flared rim, and a pair of yellow trail handles arching from the rim to the shoulder, all upon a spherical foot. The exterior surfaces are enveloped in breathtaking bichrome caramel-and-cream program with spiraling rings coursing around the neck, shoulder, and lower body, a register of gently feathered waves along the upper body, and taller, more dramatic marvering along the midsection. Thick layers of fiery iridescence in silver and rainbow hues have formed across the entire composition, and scattered areas of golden iridescence only add to the opulent presentation. Size: 2.25" W x 6.1" H (5.7 cm x 15.5 cm); 6.625" H (16.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Martin Wunsch collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s
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#152711
Condition
Repairs to both handles, foot, and areas of lower body, with minor restoration to base of foot, with resurfacing along new material and break lines. Minor nicks, abrasions, and pitting to body, neck, handles, and rim, with light encrustations. Light earthen deposits and stunning layers of silver and rainbow iridescence throughout.