A very scarce example of ancient Roman blown glass with two applied handles. This free-blown container is crafted of nearly colorless glass. The shape is quite sophisticated and technically difficult, with a funnel mouth with narrow projecting roll and an ovoid body embellished with two coiled handles of dark green glass.
Ancient Roman - circa 4th Century AD
The kicked-up base shows a pontil mark. The surface patina exhibits burial incrustation and significant areas of intense blue, red, gold & silver iridescence. Excellent condition. (95 x 81 mm – 3 3/4 x 3 3/16 inches)
Ref: see Roman Byzantine and Early Medieval Glass, Ernesto Wolf Collection, 2001, catalog # 116-120 for Eastern Mediterranean jars with this distinctive rolled rim – attributed to Roman Syria.
The survival of this fragile glass seems nearly miraculous. The iridescence is due to the glass reacting to the soil- producing incredible shimmering iridescence that has long captivated the imagination of the most ardent collectors and artists.
