Roman Sidonian Glass Bottle - Cobalt Blue

Roman, Sidonian, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. WOW, WOW, WOW! A fine miniature mold-blown glass vessel, the globular body presenting 6 panels, each one adorned by a grape clusters and vessels in relief, with a leafy vine adorning the shoulder above, followed by a long tubular neck above resolving to a flared, outfolded rim - all upon a carinated/ribbed base and delineated in stunning cornflower and cobalt blue hues with tinges of green in areas. The bunches of round grapes likely symbolize Bacchus (Greek counterpart Dionysos) - the infamous god of the fruit of the vine - and the vessels - used to serve and drink wine - make for a nice complement! In addition to its gorgeous hues, the glass presents marvelous translucence and areas of iridescence when held to the light. A lovely unguent or perfume bottle of an attractive form, quite refined and presenting exquisite detailing. Size: 1.75" in diameter x 3.125" H (4.4 cm x 7.9 cm)

Sidon was a center of art glass production in ancient times. Here are Pliny's words as he described his voyage to Sidon, "From this point on we must go back to the coast and to Phoenicia. There was formerly a town called Crocodilian, and there still is a river of that name … Then comes Cape Carmel … Next are Getta, Geba, and the river Pacida or Belus … Close to this river is Ptolemais … Next Tyre, once an island separated from the mainland by a very deep sea-channel 700 yards wide, but now joined to it by the works constructed by Alexander when besieging the place … but the entire renown of Tyre now consists in a shell-fish and a purple dye! … Next are Zarephath and the city of birds (Ornithon oppidum), and Sidon, the mother-city of Thebes in Boeotia where glass is made." (Pliny, Natural History V.75-76, 77-79 AD).

Provenance: ex-private New Jersey, USA collection acquired over 20 years ago

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#148658
Condition Report: One minute nick to the rim that is difficult to see. What looks like a fissure is actually just a result of the glass overlapping upon itself when this piece was created. Areas of purple iridescence. Traces of mineral deposits. There is no pontil mark as this piece was mold-blown.