ANCIENT SIDONIAN GLASS BOTTLE
LEVANT, C. 1ST CENTURY A.D.
Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500
Auction: 13 March 2025 from 13:00 GMT
Description
mould-blown glass, of opaque blue colour, light blue body formed from a three-part mould, the cylindrical neck with everted rim and inward-folded lip, each section of the hexagonal body bearing a high relief repeated vegetal and floral motif
Dimensions
7.5cm tall
Provenance
Private collection, United Kingdom
Shlomo Moussaieff, London, United Kingdom, collection formed 1948 - 2000
Footnote
Ancient Sidonian glass, produced in the region of Sidon (modern-day Lebanon), is renowned for its high quality and intricate craftsmanship. Sidonian glassmakers were particularly skilled in producing both transparent and opaque glass, often employing advanced techniques such as casting, blowing, and cutting. The glassware typically featured vibrant colours, with rich hues of blue, green, and purple, achieved through the careful addition of minerals. The influence of Sidonian glass extended throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, making it a highly sought-after luxury item in both domestic and trade contexts.