New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Alabastron

Manufacturer Unknown

CultureEastern Mediterranean or Italian

DateMid 4th - early 3rd century B.C.

MediumCore-formed glass

DimensionsOverall: 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
Overall, Rim: 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.6741

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 116-1, Case 1

Label TextEastern Mediterranean or Italian Alabastron (Bottle), mid-4th-early 3rd century B.C. Core-formed glass; applied rim and lugs Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.6741 Objects 3 through 16 were made in the technique known as core-forming, which was the primary method of making glass vessels until the invention of glassblowing around the mid-first century B.C. A mixture of clay, sand, and animal dung was mixed and shaped to form the core of the vessel. Glass was then applied to the core and thin trails of different colored glass were added and tooled to form feathered or zigzag decorations. After the glass was annealed (cooled slowly), the core was loosened and then removed, leaving a hollow glass vessel. Used to hold perfumes, oils and eye make-up, the glass containers here were shaped in imitation of ceramic and metallic vessels made during the same period. Published ReferencesNeuburg, _Ancient Glass_, color plate III, b.