Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A gorgeous pale basil green mold-blown sprinkler flask presenting a honeycomb textured body, constricted sprinkler hole at the cylindrical neck, and a convex open mouth that splays to a wide rim. Sprinkler vases were used to apply precious scented rose water or perfumes. Beyond the graceful form, brilliant coloring, and expert technique required to create it, time has also contributed to this vessel's aesthetic as areas of silvery and rainbow iridescence delight the eye! Size: 3.25" H (8.3 cm)
Most scholars agree, Roman glass was of the highest quality -both aesthetically and technically - among the ancients. While glass making had been practiced for centuries, the Romans invented glass blowing in the 1st century BCE which revolutionized the artform. We can appreciate such a wide variety of forms and shapes, because the medium of glass has unique physical properties that make for so many more possibilities than metal or clay. Roman glassmakers reached incredible artistic heights with both free-blown vessels and mold blown forms and decorations.
Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Barakat Galleries, Beverly Hills, California, USA, purportedly found in Geresa, Jordan
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#139030
Condition
Body repaired from multiple pieces with visible traces of adhesive. Earthen deposits on mouth and neck. Amazing fiery rainbow and silvery iridescence!