Amphoriskos (Container for Oil) c. 2th century

This small, 2nd-century amphoriskos, a container for oil, is a beautiful example of ancient glassmaking from the Eastern Mediterranean. Its distinctive shape, with two looped handles, is typical of this type of vessel. The surface of the amphoriskos is decorated with a white-on-black design, likely created by the trailed technique, in which molten glass is drawn out and then draped over the surface of the vessel. This technique was commonly used in ancient Roman glassmaking and gives the piece a unique, textured quality. The amphoriskos is now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, showcasing its significance in the history of glassmaking.