Square bottle
Medium:Mould blown glass
Geography: Syria
Date: about 175-225 AD
Period: Roman Imperial period
Dimensions:9.6 x 5.1 x 5.1 x 3.2 cm
Object number: 950.157.61
Credit Line: Gift of Miss Helen Norton
Gallery Location:Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery of Rome and the Near East
Description
The iridescent surface of ancient glass is the result of decay. Humidity
fluctuations and acidic soil conditions cause a gradual eating-away of the surface
as the glass breaks down into its natural components. A refractive film of decay
builds up, producing the rainbow colours.