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Bowl
Artist:
Ennion
(probably active in Sidon, modern-day Lebanon)
Date: mid - 1st century C.E.
Medium: Mold-blown glass
Dimensions:
2 9/16 × 3 5/8 × 3 3/8 in., 0.1 lb. (6.5 × 9.2 × 8.6 cm, 64 g.)
Overall, Rim: 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm)
Base: 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
Other (Neck diameter): 2 11/16 in. (6.9 cm)
Classification: Glass
Credit Line: Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number: 71.6779
Terms
- Blue
- Green
- Sidon
In Collection(s)
On view
DescriptionBowl of mold-blown transparent bluish-green glass. Blown into a four-part mold. Dome bottom with concentric rings. Bottom half has "hairpin" like ribbing, and then a band of cross hatching with a "tabula ansata" field containing maker's inscription. Arranged in two rows, with a top band of additional "hairpin" ribbing and then a plain straight rim. Some weathering and iridescence present.
Exhibition HistoryIllustration used on WTAR TV show, 5/25/72.
A 4 x 4 ft. blow-up of a color transparency of the "Ennion" bowl was used as collateral material for a packaging exhibition at Rampart Packaging (a subsidiary of Shell oil), James City County, VA, October 1984.
"Ennion: Master of Roman Glass," Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, December 9, 2014 – April 13, 2015; Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY, May 15 – October 19, 2015.
A 4 x 4 ft. blow-up of a color transparency of the "Ennion" bowl was used as collateral material for a packaging exhibition at Rampart Packaging (a subsidiary of Shell oil), James City County, VA, October 1984.
"Ennion: Master of Roman Glass," Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, December 9, 2014 – April 13, 2015; Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY, May 15 – October 19, 2015.
Label textEnnion workshop
Probably active in Sidon, Syria
Bowl, ca. 50 c.e.
Mold-blown glass
Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.6779
Chrysler was a highly ambitious collector of glass, acquiring one of the rare works signed by ancient Greek glass artist Ennion.The Greek inscription in the rectangular cartouche on upper side reads ENNION/ENOIEI which translates to "Ennion made (it)." Approximately twenty relatively intact vessels survive from the Ennion workshop, which produced the finest and most well-known of the early Roman mold-blown glasses.
Probably active in Sidon, Syria
Bowl, ca. 50 c.e.
Mold-blown glass
Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.6779
Chrysler was a highly ambitious collector of glass, acquiring one of the rare works signed by ancient Greek glass artist Ennion.The Greek inscription in the rectangular cartouche on upper side reads ENNION/ENOIEI which translates to "Ennion made (it)." Approximately twenty relatively intact vessels survive from the Ennion workshop, which produced the finest and most well-known of the early Roman mold-blown glasses.
Published References
Corning Museum of Glass, _Journal of Glass Studies_, VI, 34-41.
Donald B. Harden, "Two Tomb-Groups of the First Century AD from Yahmour, Syria, and a Supplement to the List of Roman-Syrian Glasses with Mould-Blown Inscriptions," _Syria_ 24, 1944-45, p. 89 (A.3.b), pl. 8.
Corning Museum of Glass, "Important Acquisitions," _Journal of Glass Studies X_ 1968, 181, item 6.
Chrysler Museum at Norfolk Newsletter, Vol. I, No. 2, Apr. 1972, 2-3.
Gusta Lehrer, _Ennion: A First Century Glassmaker_ exh. cat. (Tel Aviv: Eretz Israel Museum, 1979) 10.
A. Engle, _Readings in Glass History_, No. 19, 1985, 80, "Bought in Sidon, c. 1915-1918 from Aziz Khyat, NY".
D.B. Harden, _Glass of the Caesars_, 1987, 151-153.
Nancy Merrill, _A Concise History of Glass Represented in the Chrysler Museum Glass Collection_ (Norfolk, VA: Chrysler Museum of Art, 1989) 16, no. 4.
Dan P. Barag, "Phoenicia and Mould-Blowing in the Early Roman Period," in _Annales du 13 Congrès de l'Association Internationale pour l'Historie du Verre, Pays Bas, 28 août - 1 Septembre 1995_ (Lochem: Association Internationale pour l'Historie du Verre, 1996) 77-92.
Axel von Saldern, _Antikes Glas_ (Munich: Beck, 2004) 241.
Gary Baker, "Glass," in _Collecting with Vision: Treasures From the Chrysler Museum of Art_ (London: D. Giles Ltd., 2007), 123-124, fig. 149.
Christopher S. Lightfoot, _Ennion: Master of Roman Glass_ (New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art with Yale University Press, 2014) 106, cat. 23.
Diane C. Wright (editor), _Glass: Masterworks from the Chrysler Museum of Art_ (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2017), pg. 42-3.
Provenance
Purchased by Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. from Royal-Athena Galleries, November 1966; gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. to Chrysler Museum of Art, 1971.
Catalogue EntryGlass: Masterworks from The Chrysler Museum of Art, Diane C. Wright editor, Distributed by University of Washington Press
Bowl, signed by Ennion
Mid-1st century Ennion Probably Phoenician Mold-blown glass h. 29/16 × diam. 37/16 in. (6.5 × 8.8 cm) Mark: "enniwn/eπoiei” (Ennion Made It/Me), inscribed in two lines, in tabula ansata Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., 71.6779
Ennion produced some of the finest works of ancient Roman mold-blown glass. However, without written accounts that mention glassmakers by name, he is known to us only through the glassware bearing his "signature," inscribed on the vessels in Greek.1 Ennion is believed to be from Phoenicia (Lebanon), and it is generally thought that his workshop was located in the coastal town of Sidon, a renowned center of Roman glassmaking.2 He was probably the owner of the workshop and a master craftsman; the presence of his name ("ENNiWN") on the glass indicates his importance. The complete inscription on the Chrysler’s Bowl translates as, “Ennion Made It/Me,” or “Made by Ennion,” using the Greek verb EπoiEi (“to make”). Enclosed in a frame with dovetail handles (tabula ansata), the inscription is prominently displayed on the upper body of the bowl, calling attention to its message and its maker.
The discovery of glassblowing, probably during the mid-first century BCE, revolutionized glassmaking as new shapes in larger sizes, with a variety of decoration, were suddenly possible. The incorporation of molds into the manufacturing process in the first century CE led to standardization. Ennion implemented this new technology and successfully produced a wide range of luxury glass, including drinking and pouring vessels and containers for holding oils and medicines.3 Even though molds were difficult to make, they could be used many times and therefore decreased the necessary time and costs (see cat. 26). Throughout its history, glass has borrowed forms, decoration, and, in this case, a production technique from other mediums. Late Hellenistic–early Roman period pottery and metalware, for example, were formed using molds, and the method was eventually adopted by the glassmaking industry. Arretine pottery (made about the same time as Ennion’s wares) was stamped with makers’ names and likely served as a model for maker inscriptions on mold-blown glass.4
This delicate Ennion bowl was made in a four-part mold, impressing the lettering and decorative pattern onto the hot, malleable glass. When blown into a multipart mold, the glass flows into the area between the sections, creating fine seams on the object wall. Ennion’s ornamental schemes were masterfully conceived to cover this evidence of construction. The Chrysler Bowl is extraordinarily thin, an indication of the skill of the glassblower; it weighs a mere 0.1 lb (64 g). Remarkably, it is intact. The use of molds was intended for making multiples, and the Chrysler example has a known "twin." The Ennion bowl at the Yale University Art Gallery (Yale 1955.6.66) was created in the very same mold, resulting in a nearly identical piece.
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Notes
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Bowl, signed by Ennion
Mid-1st century Ennion Probably Phoenician Mold-blown glass h. 29/16 × diam. 37/16 in. (6.5 × 8.8 cm) Mark: "enniwn/eπoiei” (Ennion Made It/Me), inscribed in two lines, in tabula ansata Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., 71.6779
Ennion produced some of the finest works of ancient Roman mold-blown glass. However, without written accounts that mention glassmakers by name, he is known to us only through the glassware bearing his "signature," inscribed on the vessels in Greek.1 Ennion is believed to be from Phoenicia (Lebanon), and it is generally thought that his workshop was located in the coastal town of Sidon, a renowned center of Roman glassmaking.2 He was probably the owner of the workshop and a master craftsman; the presence of his name ("ENNiWN") on the glass indicates his importance. The complete inscription on the Chrysler’s Bowl translates as, “Ennion Made It/Me,” or “Made by Ennion,” using the Greek verb EπoiEi (“to make”). Enclosed in a frame with dovetail handles (tabula ansata), the inscription is prominently displayed on the upper body of the bowl, calling attention to its message and its maker.
The discovery of glassblowing, probably during the mid-first century BCE, revolutionized glassmaking as new shapes in larger sizes, with a variety of decoration, were suddenly possible. The incorporation of molds into the manufacturing process in the first century CE led to standardization. Ennion implemented this new technology and successfully produced a wide range of luxury glass, including drinking and pouring vessels and containers for holding oils and medicines.3 Even though molds were difficult to make, they could be used many times and therefore decreased the necessary time and costs (see cat. 26). Throughout its history, glass has borrowed forms, decoration, and, in this case, a production technique from other mediums. Late Hellenistic–early Roman period pottery and metalware, for example, were formed using molds, and the method was eventually adopted by the glassmaking industry. Arretine pottery (made about the same time as Ennion’s wares) was stamped with makers’ names and likely served as a model for maker inscriptions on mold-blown glass.4
This delicate Ennion bowl was made in a four-part mold, impressing the lettering and decorative pattern onto the hot, malleable glass. When blown into a multipart mold, the glass flows into the area between the sections, creating fine seams on the object wall. Ennion’s ornamental schemes were masterfully conceived to cover this evidence of construction. The Chrysler Bowl is extraordinarily thin, an indication of the skill of the glassblower; it weighs a mere 0.1 lb (64 g). Remarkably, it is intact. The use of molds was intended for making multiples, and the Chrysler example has a known "twin." The Ennion bowl at the Yale University Art Gallery (Yale 1955.6.66) was created in the very same mold, resulting in a nearly identical piece.
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Notes
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Bowl, signed by Ennion
Mid-1st century Ennion Probably Phoenician Mold-blown glass h. 29/16 × diam. 37/16 in. (6.5 × 8.8 cm) Mark: "enniwn/eπoiei” (Ennion Made It/Me), inscribed in two lines, in tabula ansata Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., 71.6779
Ennion produced some of the finest works of ancient Roman mold-blown glass. However, without written accounts that mention glassmakers by name, he is known to us only through the glassware bearing his "signature," inscribed on the vessels in Greek.1 Ennion is believed to be from Phoenicia (Lebanon), and it is generally thought that his workshop was located in the coastal town of Sidon, a renowned center of Roman glassmaking.2 He was probably the owner of the workshop and a master craftsman; the presence of his name ("ENNiWN") on the glass indicates his importance. The complete inscription on the Chrysler’s Bowl translates as, “Ennion Made It/Me,” or “Made by Ennion,” using the Greek verb EπoiEi (“to make”). Enclosed in a frame with dovetail handles (tabula ansata), the inscription is prominently displayed on the upper body of the bowl, calling attention to its message and its maker.
The discovery of glassblowing, probably during the mid-first century BCE, revolutionized glassmaking as new shapes in larger sizes, with a variety of decoration, were suddenly possible. The incorporation of molds into the manufacturing process in the first century CE led to standardization. Ennion implemented this new technology and successfully produced a wide range of luxury glass, including drinking and pouring vessels and containers for holding oils and medicines.3 Even though molds were difficult to make, they could be used many times and therefore decreased the necessary time and costs (see cat. 26). Throughout its history, glass has borrowed forms, decoration, and, in this case, a production technique from other mediums. Late Hellenistic–early Roman period pottery and metalware, for example, were formed using molds, and the method was eventually adopted by the glassmaking industry. Arretine pottery (made about the same time as Ennion’s wares) was stamped with makers’ names and likely served as a model for maker inscriptions on mold-blown glass.4
This delicate Ennion bowl was made in a four-part mold, impressing the lettering and decorative pattern onto the hot, malleable glass. When blown into a multipart mold, the glass flows into the area between the sections, creating fine seams on the object wall. Ennion’s ornamental schemes were masterfully conceived to cover this evidence of construction. The Chrysler Bowl is extraordinarily thin, an indication of the skill of the glassblower; it weighs a mere 0.1 lb (64 g). Remarkably, it is intact. The use of molds was intended for making multiples, and the Chrysler example has a known "twin." The Ennion bowl at the Yale University Art Gallery (Yale 1955.6.66) was created in the very same mold, resulting in a nearly identical piece.
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Notes
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Bowl, signed by Ennion
Mid-1st century Ennion Probably Phoenician Mold-blown glass h. 29/16 × diam. 37/16 in. (6.5 × 8.8 cm) Mark: "enniwn/eπoiei” (Ennion Made It/Me), inscribed in two lines, in tabula ansata Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., 71.6779
Ennion produced some of the finest works of ancient Roman mold-blown glass. However, without written accounts that mention glassmakers by name, he is known to us only through the glassware bearing his "signature," inscribed on the vessels in Greek.1 Ennion is believed to be from Phoenicia (Lebanon), and it is generally thought that his workshop was located in the coastal town of Sidon, a renowned center of Roman glassmaking.2 He was probably the owner of the workshop and a master craftsman; the presence of his name ("ENNiWN") on the glass indicates his importance. The complete inscription on the Chrysler’s Bowl translates as, “Ennion Made It/Me,” or “Made by Ennion,” using the Greek verb EπoiEi (“to make”). Enclosed in a frame with dovetail handles (tabula ansata), the inscription is prominently displayed on the upper body of the bowl, calling attention to its message and its maker.
The discovery of glassblowing, probably during the mid-first century BCE, revolutionized glassmaking as new shapes in larger sizes, with a variety of decoration, were suddenly possible. The incorporation of molds into the manufacturing process in the first century CE led to standardization. Ennion implemented this new technology and successfully produced a wide range of luxury glass, including drinking and pouring vessels and containers for holding oils and medicines.3 Even though molds were difficult to make, they could be used many times and therefore decreased the necessary time and costs (see cat. 26). Throughout its history, glass has borrowed forms, decoration, and, in this case, a production technique from other mediums. Late Hellenistic–early Roman period pottery and metalware, for example, were formed using molds, and the method was eventually adopted by the glassmaking industry. Arretine pottery (made about the same time as Ennion’s wares) was stamped with makers’ names and likely served as a model for maker inscriptions on mold-blown glass.4
This delicate Ennion bowl was made in a four-part mold, impressing the lettering and decorative pattern onto the hot, malleable glass. When blown into a multipart mold, the glass flows into the area between the sections, creating fine seams on the object wall. Ennion’s ornamental schemes were masterfully conceived to cover this evidence of construction. The Chrysler Bowl is extraordinarily thin, an indication of the skill of the glassblower; it weighs a mere 0.1 lb (64 g). Remarkably, it is intact. The use of molds was intended for making multiples, and the Chrysler example has a known "twin." The Ennion bowl at the Yale University Art Gallery (Yale 1955.6.66) was created in the very same mold, resulting in a nearly identical piece.
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Notes
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Bowl, signed by Ennion
Mid-1st century Ennion Probably Phoenician Mold-blown glass h. 29/16 × diam. 37/16 in. (6.5 × 8.8 cm) Mark: "enniwn/eπoiei” (Ennion Made It/Me), inscribed in two lines, in tabula ansata Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., 71.6779
Ennion produced some of the finest works of ancient Roman mold-blown glass. However, without written accounts that mention glassmakers by name, he is known to us only through the glassware bearing his "signature," inscribed on the vessels in Greek.1 Ennion is believed to be from Phoenicia (Lebanon), and it is generally thought that his workshop was located in the coastal town of Sidon, a renowned center of Roman glassmaking.2 He was probably the owner of the workshop and a master craftsman; the presence of his name ("ENNiWN") on the glass indicates his importance. The complete inscription on the Chrysler’s Bowl translates as, “Ennion Made It/Me,” or “Made by Ennion,” using the Greek verb EπoiEi (“to make”). Enclosed in a frame with dovetail handles (tabula ansata), the inscription is prominently displayed on the upper body of the bowl, calling attention to its message and its maker.
The discovery of glassblowing, probably during the mid-first century BCE, revolutionized glassmaking as new shapes in larger sizes, with a variety of decoration, were suddenly possible. The incorporation of molds into the manufacturing process in the first century CE led to standardization. Ennion implemented this new technology and successfully produced a wide range of luxury glass, including drinking and pouring vessels and containers for holding oils and medicines.3 Even though molds were difficult to make, they could be used many times and therefore decreased the necessary time and costs (see cat. 26). Throughout its history, glass has borrowed forms, decoration, and, in this case, a production technique from other mediums. Late Hellenistic–early Roman period pottery and metalware, for example, were formed using molds, and the method was eventually adopted by the glassmaking industry. Arretine pottery (made about the same time as Ennion’s wares) was stamped with makers’ names and likely served as a model for maker inscriptions on mold-blown glass.4
This delicate Ennion bowl was made in a four-part mold, impressing the lettering and decorative pattern onto the hot, malleable glass. When blown into a multipart mold, the glass flows into the area between the sections, creating fine seams on the object wall. Ennion’s ornamental schemes were masterfully conceived to cover this evidence of construction. The Chrysler Bowl is extraordinarily thin, an indication of the skill of the glassblower; it weighs a mere 0.1 lb (64 g). Remarkably, it is intact. The use of molds was intended for making multiples, and the Chrysler example has a known "twin." The Ennion bowl at the Yale University Art Gallery (Yale 1955.6.66) was created in the very same mold, resulting in a nearly identical piece.
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Notes
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Bowl, signed by Ennion
Mid-1st century Ennion Probably Phoenician Mold-blown glass h. 29/16 × diam. 37/16 in. (6.5 × 8.8 cm) Mark: "enniwn/eπoiei” (Ennion Made It/Me), inscribed in two lines, in tabula ansata Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., 71.6779
Ennion produced some of the finest works of ancient Roman mold-blown glass. However, without written accounts that mention glassmakers by name, he is known to us only through the glassware bearing his "signature," inscribed on the vessels in Greek.1 Ennion is believed to be from Phoenicia (Lebanon), and it is generally thought that his workshop was located in the coastal town of Sidon, a renowned center of Roman glassmaking.2 He was probably the owner of the workshop and a master craftsman; the presence of his name ("ENNiWN") on the glass indicates his importance. The complete inscription on the Chrysler’s Bowl translates as, “Ennion Made It/Me,” or “Made by Ennion,” using the Greek verb EπoiEi (“to make”). Enclosed in a frame with dovetail handles (tabula ansata), the inscription is prominently displayed on the upper body of the bowl, calling attention to its message and its maker.
The discovery of glassblowing, probably during the mid-first century BCE, revolutionized glassmaking as new shapes in larger sizes, with a variety of decoration, were suddenly possible. The incorporation of molds into the manufacturing process in the first century CE led to standardization. Ennion implemented this new technology and successfully produced a wide range of luxury glass, including drinking and pouring vessels and containers for holding oils and medicines.3 Even though molds were difficult to make, they could be used many times and therefore decreased the necessary time and costs (see cat. 26). Throughout its history, glass has borrowed forms, decoration, and, in this case, a production technique from other mediums. Late Hellenistic–early Roman period pottery and metalware, for example, were formed using molds, and the method was eventually adopted by the glassmaking industry. Arretine pottery (made about the same time as Ennion’s wares) was stamped with makers’ names and likely served as a model for maker inscriptions on mold-blown glass.4
This delicate Ennion bowl was made in a four-part mold, impressing the lettering and decorative pattern onto the hot, malleable glass. When blown into a multipart mold, the glass flows into the area between the sections, creating fine seams on the object wall. Ennion’s ornamental schemes were masterfully conceived to cover this evidence of construction. The Chrysler Bowl is extraordinarily thin, an indication of the skill of the glassblower; it weighs a mere 0.1 lb (64 g). Remarkably, it is intact. The use of molds was intended for making multiples, and the Chrysler example has a known "twin." The Ennion bowl at the Yale University Art Gallery (Yale 1955.6.66) was created in the very same mold, resulting in a nearly identical piece.
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Notes
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Bowl, signed by Ennion
Mid-1st century Ennion Probably Phoenician Mold-blown glass h. 29/16 × diam. 37/16 in. (6.5 × 8.8 cm) Mark: "enniwn/eπoiei” (Ennion Made It/Me), inscribed in two lines, in tabula ansata Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., 71.6779
Ennion produced some of the finest works of ancient Roman mold-blown glass. However, without written accounts that mention glassmakers by name, he is known to us only through the glassware bearing his "signature," inscribed on the vessels in Greek.1 Ennion is believed to be from Phoenicia (Lebanon), and it is generally thought that his workshop was located in the coastal town of Sidon, a renowned center of Roman glassmaking.2 He was probably the owner of the workshop and a master craftsman; the presence of his name ("ENNiWN") on the glass indicates his importance. The complete inscription on the Chrysler’s Bowl translates as, “Ennion Made It/Me,” or “Made by Ennion,” using the Greek verb EπoiEi (“to make”). Enclosed in a frame with dovetail handles (tabula ansata), the inscription is prominently displayed on the upper body of the bowl, calling attention to its message and its maker.
The discovery of glassblowing, probably during the mid-first century BCE, revolutionized glassmaking as new shapes in larger sizes, with a variety of decoration, were suddenly possible. The incorporation of molds into the manufacturing process in the first century CE led to standardization. Ennion implemented this new technology and successfully produced a wide range of luxury glass, including drinking and pouring vessels and containers for holding oils and medicines.3 Even though molds were difficult to make, they could be used many times and therefore decreased the necessary time and costs (see cat. 26). Throughout its history, glass has borrowed forms, decoration, and, in this case, a production technique from other mediums. Late Hellenistic–early Roman period pottery and metalware, for example, were formed using molds, and the method was eventually adopted by the glassmaking industry. Arretine pottery (made about the same time as Ennion’s wares) was stamped with makers’ names and likely served as a model for maker inscriptions on mold-blown glass.4
This delicate Ennion bowl was made in a four-part mold, impressing the lettering and decorative pattern onto the hot, malleable glass. When blown into a multipart mold, the glass flows into the area between the sections, creating fine seams on the object wall. Ennion’s ornamental schemes were masterfully conceived to cover this evidence of construction. The Chrysler Bowl is extraordinarily thin, an indication of the skill of the glassblower; it weighs a mere 0.1 lb (64 g). Remarkably, it is intact. The use of molds was intended for making multiples, and the Chrysler example has a known "twin." The Ennion bowl at the Yale University Art Gallery (Yale 1955.6.66) was created in the very same mold, resulting in a nearly identical piece.
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Notes
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Bowl, signed by Ennion
Mid-1st century Ennion Probably Phoenician Mold-blown glass h. 29/16 × diam. 37/16 in. (6.5 × 8.8 cm) Mark: "enniwn/eπoiei” (Ennion Made It/Me), inscribed in two lines, in tabula ansata Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., 71.6779
Ennion produced some of the finest works of ancient Roman mold-blown glass. However, without written accounts that mention glassmakers by name, he is known to us only through the glassware bearing his "signature," inscribed on the vessels in Greek.1 Ennion is believed to be from Phoenicia (Lebanon), and it is generally thought that his workshop was located in the coastal town of Sidon, a renowned center of Roman glassmaking.2 He was probably the owner of the workshop and a master craftsman; the presence of his name ("ENNiWN") on the glass indicates his importance. The complete inscription on the Chrysler’s Bowl translates as, “Ennion Made It/Me,” or “Made by Ennion,” using the Greek verb EπoiEi (“to make”). Enclosed in a frame with dovetail handles (tabula ansata), the inscription is prominently displayed on the upper body of the bowl, calling attention to its message and its maker.
The discovery of glassblowing, probably during the mid-first century BCE, revolutionized glassmaking as new shapes in larger sizes, with a variety of decoration, were suddenly possible. The incorporation of molds into the manufacturing process in the first century CE led to standardization. Ennion implemented this new technology and successfully produced a wide range of luxury glass, including drinking and pouring vessels and containers for holding oils and medicines.3 Even though molds were difficult to make, they could be used many times and therefore decreased the necessary time and costs (see cat. 26). Throughout its history, glass has borrowed forms, decoration, and, in this case, a production technique from other mediums. Late Hellenistic–early Roman period pottery and metalware, for example, were formed using molds, and the method was eventually adopted by the glassmaking industry. Arretine pottery (made about the same time as Ennion’s wares) was stamped with makers’ names and likely served as a model for maker inscriptions on mold-blown glass.4
This delicate Ennion bowl was made in a four-part mold, impressing the lettering and decorative pattern onto the hot, malleable glass. When blown into a multipart mold, the glass flows into the area between the sections, creating fine seams on the object wall. Ennion’s ornamental schemes were masterfully conceived to cover this evidence of construction. The Chrysler Bowl is extraordinarily thin, an indication of the skill of the glassblower; it weighs a mere 0.1 lb (64 g). Remarkably, it is intact. The use of molds was intended for making multiples, and the Chrysler example has a known "twin." The Ennion bowl at the Yale University Art Gallery (Yale 1955.6.66) was created in the very same mold, resulting in a nearly identical piece.
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW
Notes
A great deal of mold-blown glass was made during the first century CE, including practical tablewares and inexpensive bottles and containers for everyday use, as well as more ornate and specialty items. Ennion’s innovative and elegantly decorated glassware stands apart from those made by his competitors.5 Given the exceptional quality of his work and the fineness of design, Ennion’s glass was probably destined for an impressive dining table, where it would have been greatly admired. | DCW