Roman Sidonian Molded Glass Amphoriskos

Roman , Sidonian, Lebanon, ca. 1st century CE. A fine mold-blown miniature amphora in gorgeous cobalt blue glass, with trailed handles of golden yellow hues. Note how the mold was carefully crafted to delineate intricate detailing. Sidon was a center of art glass production in ancient times. (Pliny, Natural History V.75-76, 77-79 A.D.). A refined form with exquisite detailing. Size: 1.625" W x 2.75" H (4.1 cm x 7 cm)

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."

Provenance: Private European Collection, acquired in the late 1970s - early 1980s

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#162414
Condition Report: Repaired from about 6 pieces but well done and all there. Surface with areas of lovely iridescence.