Egypt (New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty)

Detailed Stylistic and Historical Analysis of the Polychrome Core-Formed Glass Krateriskos

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Date Created: Created about 1403–1347 B.C. (spanning the reigns of pharaohs Amenhotep III, Akhenaten, and the late 18th Dynasty). Period: The New Kingdom of Egypt (specifically the 18th Dynasty), representing the absolute zenith of luxury glass production and imperial international exchange.

Elite Cosmetic and Perfume Container: In New Kingdom Egypt, such precious core-formed glass vessels were utilized as high-end luxury containers for scented oils, expensive perfumes, or rare cosmetic unguents. Funerary Wealth and Status Symbol: Placed in elite tombs or used by high-ranking courtiers, these vessels symbolized immense wealth and magical purification, as glass was viewed as an artificial gemstone comparable to lapis lazuli and turquoise.