About this artwork
Initially affordable only among the wealthy, glass was used in ancient Rome to create tableware and containers for oils and perfume. The word amphoriskos, Greek for “small amphora,” refers to this object’s shape, a miniature version of the two-handled vessels that contained oil or wine. In the ancient Mediterranean world, scented oils, usually olive oil based, were used rather than alcohol-based perfumes.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
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Culture
- Ancient Mediterranean
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Title
- Amphoriskos (Container for Oil)
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Place
- Mediterranean Region (Object made in)
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Date
- 600 BCE–401 BCE
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Medium
- Glass
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Dimensions
- 5.7 × 2.9 × 2.5 cm (2 1/4 × 1 1/8 × 1 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Theodore W. and Frances S. Robinson
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Reference Number
- 1949.1143
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/67449/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.