Oinochoe (Pitcher) c. mid to early 4th century

This small pitcher was crafted in the Eastern Mediterranean, using a technique called core-forming. It involved building up molten glass around a temporary core of sand and clay. Once cooled, the core was scraped away, leaving this delicate vessel. The deep blue color of the body is interspersed with feather-like patterns in white, turquoise and yellow. These were created by dragging a tool through trails of molten glass, a process requiring remarkable precision and control. Notice the horizontal bands near the rim. These are testament to the maker’s expert manipulation of the viscous material. Although seemingly simple in form, such vessels demanded specialized knowledge and a considerable amount of labor. They were highly prized objects, traded across the ancient world. This example reminds us that even everyday items can be understood as sophisticated material achievements. It invites us to reconsider traditional distinctions between craft, design and fine art.