Sand-Core Formed Glass Amphoriskos

Archaeological evidence suggests that the ancient Levant was one of the first places in the world to produce glass, beginning in the mid--second millennium B.C. This vessel, in the rich deep--blue colour popular amongst the classical--era Phoenicians was moulded by dipping a core of mud and sand into melted glass, for glass--blowing was not introduced until the Roman period. It represents a fine example of the glassworker’s skill from the cradle of glassmaking. It is fashioned as a ‘belly’ amphora, a style prevalent throughout the Mediterranean during the seventh to fourth centuries B.C. Whilst many amphorae had practical functions as transport or storage containers, decorative ones were also manufactured. The foot is extremely narrow, a reminder that the larger, more utilitarian, amphorae were typically half-- buried in the ground to be used as cool storage for wine or oil. Roman Glass Oil Container -- FF.067

Mirror of All Ages and Cultures 58 Brook Street, London W1K 5DT –United Kingdom-Tel: 0044 20 7493 7778-Fax: 0044 20 7493 9593 941 N La Cienega Blvd, California 90096-Tel: 001 310 859 8408 58-4 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea 03053, +821034973413 www.barakatgallery.com barakat@barakatgallery.com Origin: Hebron Circa: 1st th Century AD to 4th th Century AD Dimensions: 4.25" (10.8cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass Price: £ 45,000.00 The Palestinian glass industry flourished from the 4th to the early 5th century, following the rule of the Roman emperor Diocletian (284--305), when the region enjoyed a time of relative peace in spite of economic instability. When Constantine the Great finally emerged as sole ruler in 324, Palestine benefited from the fact that he targeted Jerusalem and the Holy Land as main recipients for his reconstruction program. Exempted from personal taxation by an Imperial edict in 337, a large number of skilled craftsmen profited greatly from the economic boom.