mosaic

Object NameMosaic Bar with Snake

Made FromGlass

Date25 BCE-99 CE

Place MadeEgypt

Techniquemosaic glass or millefiori

SizeOverall H: 3 cm; Base W: 1.1 cm (tapering to 0.6 cm)

Accession Number76.1.74

Credit LineGift of Carl Berkowitz and Derek Content

Curatorial Area(s)

Ancient

Not On View

Physical DescriptionTranslucent deep blue, translucent amethyst, opaque yellow and opaque white glass, dull surface resinous material adhering all over; mosaic glass or millefiori technique subsequently retouched by cutting and grinding. Element appears to be horizontal top and legs of an animal couch or offering table; top flares out somewhat from a substantial body decorated with a single horizontal relief line which connects the legs to each other; the leg on the left bows out and down suggesting the hind quarter of an animal, the right side is heavier and appears to represent a stylized lion or leopard head with typical Egyptian wig above the more substantial shoulder and lower leg; in cross section a central amethyst cane is cased with yellow then alternating layers of blue and white, this complex color system is not seen except on the upper surface of the table where it would have been obliterated by the backing material; head preserves small section of thick resinous material on back with a flat bar of opaque yellow and opaque red glass adhering to it.
Provenance

Former Collection Habib Tawadros - 2009
Sold during trip to NYC

Source Derek Content - 1976-01-01

Source Carl Sandler Berkowitz - 1976-01-01

Former Collection Ray Winfield Smith (American, 1897-1982) - 1948-08
Purchased during Habib Tawadros's trip to NYC