Description:

Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. An exceedingly rare glass pilgrim's flask in lozenge form with tall thin neck, flared rim now missing from age. Most fascinating is how this was mold-made with an impression front and back of the Christian Cross - clearly of the style from this period - and an inscription of "CON?" below. This could mean Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor, or Constantinople, the seat of the Byzantine empire. Size: 4.5" W x 6.5" H (11.4 cm x 16.5 cm)

Pilgrim flasks were used as "souvenir's" of the faithful's treks to the Holy Land and the Holy Water that would have been available in Jerusalem at this period.

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, ex-Khabbazi Antiquities acquired on January 25, 1990, invoice # 195

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#157280

  • Condition: Rim missing, iridescent surface and interior with surface deposits as shown. Internal stress crack at base.

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November 5, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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