Flask c. 4th century

This small flask was created in Syro-Palestine from mold-blown glass. The social value of glass in this period is worth considering. It was a relatively new technology at the time, and thus would have been a valuable commodity. The color is also notable. The green tint tells us about the composition of the glass itself, namely the presence of iron. Knowing this gives us information about trade routes and available resources in the region. The very existence of institutions like the Art Institute is also worth pausing over. The decision to exhibit this flask tells us something about shifting tastes, collecting practices, and curatorial choices. For those interested in learning more, there are many resources available. Museum archives and archaeological reports are just two of the many places one might look. These can help to reveal the social and cultural contexts that give such objects meaning.