amphoriskos

Core-formed jars were manufactured in the Mediterranean region from the sixth century B.C. until about A.D. 10. Large numbers of these vessels have been found in the Syro-Palestinian region, and this has prompted some scholars to suggest that they were made there. Beginning in the mid-second century, large bowls of colorless or slightly colored glass were cast in this area, and similar glasses were employed to a limited extent in the production of some core-formed jars. Other scholars believe that Cyprus was the main source of these jars. While many of the jars made during this period are irregular in shape and poorly worked, this example reflects careful craftsmanship. It is decorated with trails in several colors, and it is also one of the largest jars of its kind.