Eastern Mediterranean Core-Formed Glass Amphoriskos (300 BC - 200 BC)

Core-formed (also known as sandcore) vessels were created by trailing decorative threads of molten glass over a core of sand, mud or clay, to form a vase. Once the glass was in place, the threads could be dragged into decorative patterns, such as the feathered pattern on this amphoriskos.  The amphoriskos (literally, little amphora) is a miniature of the amphora, a popular shape used throughout antiquity, and designed to store and transport small quantities of valuable cosmetic products such as oils, perfumes or cosmetics. The form closely resembles that of the wine amphorae, of which this is a miniature imitation and a luxury version of the mass produced clay examples.