Late Hellenistic / Early Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A stunning translucent alabastron formed with amber-hued glass with multiple strands of opaque white glass. The alabastron, likely used to contain perfumes and other scented oils, has an elongated cylindrical form with a conical base, a thick unpronounced rim, and a raised discoid guard which delineates the neck. Its elegant presentation and opulent color suggest this vessel was used by a woman of high status, meant to be taken to the bath houses and used as part of their toiletries. Covered in faint layers of rainbow-hued iridescence, this is a marvelous work of glass art to be treasured for its impeccable form, beautiful hues, and sophisticated technique. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 1" W x 5.75" H (2.5 cm x 14.6 cm); 6.75" H (17.1 cm) on included custom stand.

The alabastron is a long-bodied vessel, typically with a rounded bottom, a cylindrical neck, and a flat disk for a mouth. Though usually without handles, some alabastra have eyes, lugs, or disc-shaped guards like this example. According to the Beazley Archive of the University of Oxford, the alabastron shape's history extends back to Corinth, but was only preserved in Athenian pottery examples back to the mid-sixth century BCE. Alabastra were created in many materials, including alabaster, and the Greek term for this stone - alabastron (most likely of Egyptian origin) - was the source of inspiration for the name of this shaped vessel. Many examples were finished with a white ground, as if to imitate this stone. We know from vase painting imagery of women using alabastra following a bath, that these vessels most likely held perfumed oils.

For a Hellenistic example exhibiting the same style of mosaic glass, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 91.1.1303: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/245691

For an example of the same mosaic glass style from the early Roman Imperial period, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 91.1.1643: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/256995

Provenance: private New York, USA collection

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#134582

Spout above discoid guard repaired from a few large pieces with light adhesive residue along break lines. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, some minor pitting holes, and light roughness across most surfaces. Light earthen deposits and scattered areas of nice rainbow iridescence throughout.