Amphoriskos (Container for Oil) c. late to early 6th century

This is an ancient Eastern Mediterranean amphoriskos, a small container probably made to hold scented oil. This object invites us to consider the social and cultural context in which small luxuries like scented oil played a role. Looking closely, the craftsmanship and materials speak to specific skills and resources available in the ancient world. The vivid blue glass, adorned with yellow and turquoise patterns, suggests a culture that valued both aesthetics and function. The shape, with its narrow neck and handles, was practical for pouring and carrying precious liquids. We can imagine this amphoriskos as part of a ritual or a status symbol. To truly understand this object, historians delve into archaeological records, ancient texts, and studies of trade routes to piece together the world that created and used it. This amphoriskos reminds us that art is a product of its time, shaped by the needs, desires, and social structures of the culture that produced it.