Ancient Egyptian Amphoriskos - 12.5 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,800 - € 2,500
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Description from the seller
Hellenistic Core-Formed Glass Amphoriskos from the Eastern Mediterranean
This finely crafted core-formed glass amphoriskos comes from the eastern Mediterranean and dates to the Hellenistic period, between the 2nd and the middle of the 1st century BC.
The vessel is made of opaque blue glass and decorated with applied yellow and white glass trails spiraling around the rim and neck. Below the shoulder, these trails were carefully combed into a feather-like pattern, creating an exceptionally refined and distinctive decorative element of Hellenistic luxury glass production. The handles and the base knob are made of translucent greenish glass, forming an elegant contrast with the opaque body of the vessel.
The amphoriskos, literally “little amphora,” was a vessel form used primarily for storing precious substances such as perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics, and other valuable liquids. Owing to their small size, elaborate decoration, and technically demanding manufacture, such vessels were luxury objects associated with wealthy and elite households.
The vessel was made using the so-called core-forming technique, one of the earliest and at the same time most demanding methods of ancient glassmaking. First, a perishable core of clay and organic material was shaped as desired and then coated with layers of molten glass. Decorative glass trails were subsequently applied and worked while the surface was still hot. Once the vessel had cooled, the inner core was removed.
Comparable examples are known from important collections, including the Morell Collection (No. M136).
This amphoriskos is an exceptional example of Hellenistic glass art, combining technical mastery, elaborate decoration, and the refined aesthetic of luxury glass production in the eastern Mediterranean.
Provenance:
The collection was assembled 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 in 2023
- Private Collection, Germany, gift, 2024
Hellenistic Core-Formed Glass Amphoriskos from the Eastern Mediterranean
This finely crafted core-formed glass amphoriskos comes from the eastern Mediterranean and dates to the Hellenistic period, between the 2nd and the middle of the 1st century BC.
The vessel is made of opaque blue glass and decorated with applied yellow and white glass trails spiraling around the rim and neck. Below the shoulder, these trails were carefully combed into a feather-like pattern, creating an exceptionally refined and distinctive decorative element of Hellenistic luxury glass production. The handles and the base knob are made of translucent greenish glass, forming an elegant contrast with the opaque body of the vessel.
The amphoriskos, literally “little amphora,” was a vessel form used primarily for storing precious substances such as perfumes, scented oils, cosmetics, and other valuable liquids. Owing to their small size, elaborate decoration, and technically demanding manufacture, such vessels were luxury objects associated with wealthy and elite households.
The vessel was made using the so-called core-forming technique, one of the earliest and at the same time most demanding methods of ancient glassmaking. First, a perishable core of clay and organic material was shaped as desired and then coated with layers of molten glass. Decorative glass trails were subsequently applied and worked while the surface was still hot. Once the vessel had cooled, the inner core was removed.
Comparable examples are known from important collections, including the Morell Collection (No. M136).
This amphoriskos is an exceptional example of Hellenistic glass art, combining technical mastery, elaborate decoration, and the refined aesthetic of luxury glass production in the eastern Mediterranean.
Provenance:
The collection was assembled 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 in 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.
