Flask Item Number: M3.55 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Translucent honey-coloured flask. The body is pear-shaped body with a flat bottom. The neck is short and cylindrical. The mouth is wide but inside the neck is another, smaller opening. The rim is widely splayed and folded outwards, upward, and inwards. There are 12 pinched out vertical ribs on body from below shoulder to just above bottom.

History Of Use

Used to store unguents, oil or perfume.

Narrative

The van Haersolte Collection

Specific Techniques

The iridescence of ancient glass is symptomatic of 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 of soil, forming carbonic acid. This in turn combines with the alkaline constituents of glass, bringing about decomposition of the surface. Glass which has been decolourized with manganese dioxide, such as this piece, displays more iridescence, coloured glass less. For comparative pieces see: Neuberg, pl.xx, fig. 70, c. and pl. xxv, fig. 84. No. 5.

Item History

What

Name
Flask
Identification Number
M3.55
Type of Item
flask
Material
glass
Manufacturing Technique
blown
Overall
height 12.0 cm, diameter 7.2 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 ? or Palestine ?

When

Creation Date
between 1 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
2308/0226