Jug Item Number: M3.42 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Small glass jug with three handles. The body is spherical with a slightly concave bottom. The neck is short and cylinder shaped, sloping out to the shoulders. The rim is wide and splayed with a convex ring around underside formed by two concentric indentations. The three drawn handles are attached to the rim and the shoulder. There are beads of glass at the start and finish of each handle.

History Of Use

Used to store unguents, oil or perfume.

Narrative

The van Haersolte Collection

Specific Techniques

The iridescence of ancient glass is a symptom of changes in the metal content. It is caused by exposure to damp earth or humid air over a long period of time. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in the moisture of the air or soil, forming carbonic acid. This in turn combines with the alkaline constituent of glass, bringing about the decomposition of its surface. Glass which has been decolourized with manganese dioxide, such as this piece, displays more iridescence, coloured glass less. Genuine iridescence lessens the weight of glass, therefore the greater the iridescence the lighter the glass.

Item History

What

Name
Jug
Identification Number
M3.42
Type of Item
jug
Material
glass
Manufacturing Technique
blown
Overall
height 8.5 cm, width 7.5 cm, depth 7.5 cm, diameter 7.16 cm

Who

Culture
Near East
Previous Owner
Baron van Haersolte van den Doorn, Baron van Haersolte van den Doorn and Kathleen van Haersolte van den Doorn
Received from
Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source), U.B.C. President's Fund (Funding source) and Kathleen van Haersolte van den Doorn (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Syria ?

When

Creation Date
between 200 and 300
Collection Date
during 1890
Ownership Date
before April 26, 1956
Acquisition Date
on April 26, 1956

Other

Condition
fair
Current Location
Case 96
Accession Number
2308/0213