Object Details
Label
This is a superb example of a core-formed glass vessel, a method of producing glass vessels introduced to Egypt from neighboring Syria early in the New Kingdom (ca. 1539-1075 B.C.E.). The vessel was formed by winding threads of molten glass around a core of sand, clay, and mud. Next the vessel was marvered, or rolled on a hard surface to smooth out the glass. Thin threads of colored glass were wound around the surface and pulled into decorative wavy patterns, then called a pointil across them. The vessel then needed to be marvered again to force the added threads of glass into the body. Handles were added from separate pieces or pulled out from the main body of the vessel with metal tools.
These small vessels were fashioned as containers for costly perfumed ointments, scented oils, and cosmetics. Comparison with vessels and fragments excavated from royal glass workshops suggests that many of the Freer examples were made during the reigns of the pharaohs Amenhotep III (ca. 1390-1353 B.C.E.) and Amenhotep IV, who changed his name to Akhenaten (ca. 1353-1335 B.C.E.). They may likewise be the products of royal workshops.
Provenance
To 1909
Giovanni Dattari (circa 1858-1923), Cairo, Egypt, to 1909 [1]
From 1909 to 1919
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Giovanni Dattari in 1909 [2]
From 1920
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
Notes:
[1] See S.I. 189, Miscellaneous List, Egyptian Glass, pg. 1, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives. This piece is part of a collection of glass that was purchased en bloc and includes 1,388 specimens (for further purchase information, see the folder for F1909.332).
[2] See note 1.
[3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History
A Collector’s Eye: Freer in Egypt (January 28, 2023 to 2025)
Charles Lang Freer and Egypt (June 13, 1998 to October 2, 2011)
Ancient Egyptian Glass (August 13, 1994 to July 7, 2005)
Untitled Exhibition, South Corridor (December 10, 1984 to July 10, 1986)
Ancient Glass (May 26, 1982 to June 25, 1982)
Untitled Exhibition, South Corridor (March 6, 1981 to May 7, 1984)
Art of Dynastic Egypt (December 15, 1976 to September 22, 1977)
Ancient Glass (June 1962 to (end date unknown))
Glass Exhibition, in honor of VI International Congress on Glass (July 4, 1962 to December 3, 1962)
Previous custodian or owner
Giovanni Dattari (1858-1923) (C.L. Freer source)
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Date
ca. 1539-1295 BCE
Period
New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, Reign of Amenhotep III
Accession Number
F1909.413
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Vessel
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
H x W x D: 12.2 x 5.4 x 5.4 cm (4 13/16 x 2 1/8 x 2 1/8 in)
Origin
Egypt
On View
West Building (Freer Gallery of Art), Gallery 20: A Collector’s Eye: Freer in Egypt
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
core-forming
glass
New Kingdom (ca. 1539 - 1075 BCE)
Dynasty 18 (ca. 1539 - 1295 BCE)
Egypt
Ancient Egyptian Art
Charles Lang Freer collection
glass dragging
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1909.413