Jerusalem Pilgrim Vessel/Jug
Manufacturer
Unknown
CultureByzantine
Date578-614 A.D.
MediumMold blown glass
DimensionsOverall: 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.6774
On View
Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 116-1, Case 3
Label TextByzantine Empire, Probably Jerusalem Pilgrim Jug with Jewish Symbols, ca. 578-636 A.D. Mold-blown glass; applied handle Gift of Walter Chrysler Jr. 71.6774 From the fifth through the mid-seventh centuries A.D., glass bottles and jars with Christian or Jewish symbolism were made in Syrian and Palestinian workshops. Important religious sites were located in the Syro-Palestinian region, especially centered in Jerusalem. Increasing numbers of pilgrims to the area gave glassblowers incentive to create a souvenir trade. Workers blew the glass into full-sized molds bearing images of saints, crosses, birds, menorah, and other religious symbols. Pilgrims could buy jars and fill them with holy oil (eulogiae), water, or dirt from the holy shrines and tombs visited along their route. Exhibition HistoryUsed on WHRO TV show, 4/19/72, to advertise the Norfolk Antique Show. Published ReferencesNeuburg, _Ancient Glass_, pl. 56, "Palestine 3rd to 4th Century A.D." Corning _Journal of Glass Studies_, IV, pg. 64-65, and pl. 10. Nagen, _Ancient Glass in the Berlin-West Museum_, "Syria or Palestine, 3rd-5th c. A.D.". Corning _Journal of Glass Studies_, III, pg. 137, #10 similar, "4th-5th probably Syrian". Barag, _Glass Pilgrim Vessels From Jerusalem_, Part I, pg. 35-63. Corning _Journal of Glass Studies_, XIII, 1971, Parts II & III, pg. 45-63. Corning _Journal of Glass Studies_, Part I, 1970, fig. 27, pg. 61, identical to this piece in the collection of the Museum Tel Aviv, identified B VIII, description on pg. 50.
Unknown
Unknown
Quezal Art Glass & Decorating Co.
