Ancient Egyptian Amphoriskos - 12.5 cm
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Current bid
€ 130
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,800 - € 2,500
 | €130 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €120 | |
| €110 | |
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Altägyptisch culture, a kerngeformter glass amphoriskos from the eastern Mediterranean, opal blue glass with yellow and white threads, dating to the Hellenistic period between the 2nd and mid 1st century BC.
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Description from the seller
Hellenistic Core-Formed Glass Amphoriskos from the Eastern Mediterranean
This finely worked core-formed glass amphoriskos originates from the eastern Mediterranean and is dated to the Hellenistic period, between the 2nd century BCE and the middle of the 1st century BCE.
The vessel is made of opaque blue glass and is decorated with applied yellow and white glass threads that are spirally wound around the rim and neck. Below the shoulder, these glass threads are carefully combed into a feather-like pattern, producing a highly refined and distinctive decorative element of Hellenistic luxury glass production. The handles and the foot knob are made of greenish transparent glass, providing an elegant contrast to the opaque body.
The amphoriskos, literally “little amphora,” was a vessel form primarily used for storing precious substances such as perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics, and other valuable liquids. Because of its small size, elaborate decoration, and technically demanding production, such vessels were luxury objects associated with wealthy and elite households.
The vessel was produced using the so-called core-forming technique, one of the oldest and most demanding methods of ancient glassmaking. First, a temporary core made of clay and organic material was formed into the desired shape and then covered with layers of molten glass. Decorative glass threads were applied and worked while the surface was still hot. After cooling, the inner core was removed.
Comparable specimens are known from important collections, including the Morell Collection (No. M136).
This amphoriskos represents an exceptional example of Hellenistic glass art, combining technical mastery, artistic decoration, and the refined aesthetics of the luxury glass production of the eastern Mediterranean.
Provenance:
The collection was built up over several years in the 1960s. The last objects were acquired in 1967
- Private collection, Germany, before 1960
- Private collection, Germany, Schweinfurt, Otto Schäfer,
- Private collection, Germany, acquired 2023
- Private collection, Germany, gift 2024
Hellenistic Core-Formed Glass Amphoriskos from the Eastern Mediterranean
This finely worked core-formed glass amphoriskos originates from the eastern Mediterranean and is dated to the Hellenistic period, between the 2nd century BCE and the middle of the 1st century BCE.
The vessel is made of opaque blue glass and is decorated with applied yellow and white glass threads that are spirally wound around the rim and neck. Below the shoulder, these glass threads are carefully combed into a feather-like pattern, producing a highly refined and distinctive decorative element of Hellenistic luxury glass production. The handles and the foot knob are made of greenish transparent glass, providing an elegant contrast to the opaque body.
The amphoriskos, literally “little amphora,” was a vessel form primarily used for storing precious substances such as perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics, and other valuable liquids. Because of its small size, elaborate decoration, and technically demanding production, such vessels were luxury objects associated with wealthy and elite households.
The vessel was produced using the so-called core-forming technique, one of the oldest and most demanding methods of ancient glassmaking. First, a temporary core made of clay and organic material was formed into the desired shape and then covered with layers of molten glass. Decorative glass threads were applied and worked while the surface was still hot. After cooling, the inner core was removed.
Comparable specimens are known from important collections, including the Morell Collection (No. M136).
This amphoriskos represents an exceptional example of Hellenistic glass art, combining technical mastery, artistic decoration, and the refined aesthetics of the luxury glass production of the eastern Mediterranean.
Provenance:
The collection was built up over several years in the 1960s. The last objects were acquired in 1967
- Private collection, Germany, before 1960
- Private collection, Germany, Schweinfurt, Otto Schäfer,
- Private collection, Germany, acquired 2023
- Private collection, Germany, gift 2024
Details
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
zwischen 1. und 2. Jahrhundert v. Chr.
Name of object
Amphoriskos
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2024
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Height
12.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2023
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
