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beaker
beaker

beaker

Object NameBeaker
Maker Neikais
Made FromGlass
Date1-50
Place MadeEastern Mediterranean; probably Syria; possibly Palestine
TechniqueMold-blown, ground
SizeOverall H: 8.5 cm, Diam: 7.1 cm; Rim Diam (as restored): 6.4 cm
Accession Number70.1.8
Curatorial Area(s)
Exhibitions
Ennion and His Legacy: Mold-Blown Glass From Ancient Rome
Not On View
Interpretive Notes
A Greek inscription on the front of this drinking cup identifies the maker as Neikais. When translated, it reads, "Neikais made it." Neikais is one of the few glass artisans known from antiquity because his or her name was incorporated into the design of the mold used to shape the hot glass. Because the name ends in "ais," Neikais may have been male or female.
Physical DescriptionTransparent light green glass; mold-blown, two-part mold, ground rim. Barrel shaped; rim sprung, ground flat; body bulges slightly before tapering towards bottom; narrow base with small kick. Mold-blown decoration on body: two inscriptions, each of two lines, one on either side of body, separated by palm-fronds: "NEIKAIC/ E?OHCEN" ('Neikais made [it]') and "MNHCT [H}/O AGOPAC [AC]" ('May the buyer be remembered'); above inscriptions, two horizontal ribs, below it three horizontal ribs; two further ribs above bottom; under base, faint concentric circles.
Provenance
Source Edward (Esteban) T. Safani (1912-1998) - 1970
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200-399
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1-99
bottle
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1-99
vase
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about 1600-1799
ewer
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about 1550-1600
ewer
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about 1500–1550