Eastern Mediterranean

Turquoise Core-Formed Glass Lentoid Flask with Feathered Chevron Pattern, Classical Period

2091

Late Archaic to Classical Period, c. 6th–4th century BCE

A turquoise core-formed glass lentoid flask of the Classical period (c. 6th–4th century BCE), manufactured in the Eastern Mediterranean. The vessel is built around a compressed biconvex lens-shaped body with a short cylindrical neck, a flat rim, and two parallel loop handles. The body is opaque turquoise glass. Across the maximum circumference, alternating white and yellow glass threads were combed into synchronized sharp chevron peaks and troughs wrapping continuously around the turquoise ground. The threads are marvered flush into the surface, creating low-relief ridges rather than simply painted lines. Under directional light, these raised glass threads catch the illumination while casting delicate shadows in the combed troughs, producing a subtle chiaroscuro that animates the flat lens-shaped silhouette and emphasizes the lustrous turquoise color of the ground.