Ancient Greece, Classical period, ca. late 6th to early 5th century BCE. A striking core-formed glass alabastron, so named because many vessels that assumed this form were made of alabaster. The vessel presents a characteristically elongated body with a rounded bottom and trailed handles gracing the shoulders. Its bichrome color scheme and decorative patterns are simply magnificent. The alabastron is comprised of opaque white glass with aubergine trailing that was combed into a feathered or herringbone pattern just below the midline. Horizontal amethyst hued bands rise above this zigzagged section and underscore it below. In addition, areas of silvery iridescence are scattered across the creamy-white composition, imbuing the vessel with an opulent appearance. A breathtaking work of glass art to be treasured for its impeccable form, beautiful hues, and sophisticated technique and artistry! Size: 3.625" H (9.2 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 cm) on included custom stand.

According to the Corning Museum of Glass, core forming is "the technique of forming a vessel by winding or gathering molten glass around a core supported by a rod. After forming, the object is removed from the rod and annealed. After annealing, the core is removed by scraping." (https://www.cmog.org/glass-dictionary/core-forming). This process of glass making was begun in the late 16th century BCE by glassmakers of Mesopotamia, and then adopted by Egyptian glassmakers in the 15th century BCE. The technique almost came to an end in the so-called Dark Ages of Mediterranean civilization (1200 to 900 BCE); however, by the 9th century BCE a new generation of glassmakers took up the technique once again, and between the 6th and 4th century BCE core-forming spread throughout the Mediterranean.

The alabastron is a long-bodied vessel with a rounded bottom, a tapered or cylindrical neck, and a flared, flattened mouth. 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.

A similar example hammered for $5,736 at Christie's, New York Antiquities Auction (sale 1163, December 12, 2002, lot 362): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/an-eastern-mediterranean-core-formed-glass-alabstron-circa-4026299-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4026299&sid=bb7330f9-f005-41f4-b1c0-b83fb133dd43

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#133247

Repaired from three or four pieces at the upper end with areas of restoration, as shown. Missing its separately blown flat rim. Still, a wonderful piece of striking form, coloring, and attractive silvery iridescence.