Alabastron
Date1st Century BC
PeriodGreek
MediumGlass
DimensionsHEIGHT: 4 7/16 in. (11.3 cm)
DIAMETER: 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm) (body)
DIAMETER: 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm) (body)
ClassificationsGlass
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN28.1562
The earliest glass vessels were made by a technique known as "sand-core" in which molten glass was worked around a clay core, producing an opaque appearance. Decorative patterns could be applied by using glass threads of a contrasting color. The alabastron and amphoriskos were made by this technique and feature designs made by thin white glass threads. Blown glass was a later development invented around the 1st century B.C. Centers of production existed all over the Roman world including the island of Cyprus. Glass vessels were often modeled after large ceramic amphorae or jugs, but most glass containers were used for perfumed oil. The two double unguentaria are examples of the later technique. The glass has been blown to create two flasks fused together and thin pieces of glass have been added for decorative effect and to create a handle.
On View
Not on viewCollections
5th-4th century BC
3rd-1st century BC
5th-4th Century BC
3rd-1st century BC
4th-1st century BC
7th-5th Century BC
7th-5th Century BC
1st - 2nd century AD
7th Century BC
1st - 2nd century AD
1st - 2nd century AD