In the late seventh century B.C. an extensive glass industry developed on the island of Rhodes, under the influence of immigrant craftsmen. The new shapes imitated Greek vessels.
Vessels of this type served as containers for cosmetics and perfumes.
This amphoriskos is core formed
in an ovoid shape, it stands on a pointed foot
with a cylindrical neck, everted mouth and
rounded rim. The vessel is decorated with
opaque yellow and turquoise trailing combed into
a zig-zag pattern, with horizontal lines above
and below. This pattern continues
gracefully draped over the shoulder. The rim is edged with turquoise trailing, and the
twin handles are attached to the shoulder and
neck.
These vessels continued to be produced until the first century B.C.
Reference: Yael Israeli, Ancient Glass in the Israel Museum: The Eliahu Dobkin Collection and Other Gifts, p. 56, no. 38.
