3-045-239 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Alabastron, 200-1 BC. Blue Perfume Flask with Zigzags. Additional Info: Core formed: a core of organic and inorganic materials shaped on the end of a rod to the dimensions of the interior. Dipped into a batch of molten dark blue glass, or had the glass trailed around the exterior, then marvered smooth. Fine bands of opaque yellow and turquoise glass were then trailed around the piece horizontally, then combed vertically in the center body of the piece, alternating to form a feather pattern that was then incorporated into the fabric of the piece by marvering. The core material was then removed and the handles added as a trail of molten yellow glass was attached, pulled around a round-sectioned instrument, then pulled down the side. A rim was added, flattened while turned, and a ribbon of yellow was added to it exterior. The surface of this piece is in good condition, with no pitting and only slight signs of iridescence around the rim. It has lost a portion of one handle since antiquity.