Amphoriskos

Core-formed amphoriskos with a spherical body, made from opaque, dark blue glass. It has a short neck and two handles, which were made separately and attached to the vase. The body is decorated with light blue and yellow bands forming parallel or zig-zag patterns. Core-forming was the most popular method for the production of glass vessels until Roman times, when the much more effective technique of blown glass was invented. At the end of a wooden or metal rod the craftsman attached a core made of fire-proof material (e.g. clay) and then coated it with molten glass until it was completely covered. Frequently, for decorative purposes, the craftsman used bands of different colours, which he pulled across the surface with a sharp tool while still molten, creating a combination of wavy, zig-zag or linear patterns. At the end, additional elements, such as the neck or the handle, were attached to the vase.Glass vessels imitate in small size contemporary clay shapes, such as alabasta, amphoriskoi, aryballoi, oinochoai, etc. They were mainly used for perfumed oils and are found in both settlements and sanctuaries. More frequenly, however, they are found in graves, where they were offered as burial gifts.