The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 18, 2025

Amphoriskos (Small Amphora)

50–100 CE

Roman

glass, mold-blown
Diameter: 2.5 cm (1 in.); Overall: 7.5 x 3.5 cm (2 15/16 x 1 3/8 in.)
General Income Fund 1919.12
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Although much smaller, glass amphoriskoi (“small amphorae”) are similar in form to ceramic transport amphorae.

Description

First blown in a mold, then supplied with separately made handles, this small vessel likely held perfumed oil, a valuable commodity. Originally violet in color, its surface is now partially marred by areas of buff and iridescent weathering. The finely ribbed body is quite elegant, however, and its extravagant modern box attests to its significant value for a modern owner (prior to 1919).
  • Whiting
    Azeez Khayat(?)
    Whiting; Azeez Khayat(?)
  • "Accessions." The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art 6, no. 2 (1919): 37-38. Mentioned: p. 37 www.jstor.org
    Anderson Galleries, Inc., New York. Ancient Works of Art...Collected by Azeez Khayat. January 31 - February 1, 1919. Lot 271 p.26, Lot #271; Reproduced: Frontispiece
  • Stories from Storage. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 7-May 16, 2021).
  • {{cite web|title=Amphoriskos (Small Amphora)|url=false|author=|year=50–100 CE|access-date=18 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1919.12