Vase

A deep cobalt-blue glass vase with a flared neck, bulbous body and tall footed stem, shown against a plain grey ground. Engraved bands of scrolling foliage and bead-and-lozenge ornament encircle the neck and shoulder, and the curled double handles end in small masks. The rich colour and fine incised decoration suggest a Renaissance-style glassmaker's work.

Look closer: Small masks or lion-like heads at the joins of the handles with the shoulder.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550–1600 (modern foot)

Medium

Glass, engraved

Source

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Size

3000 × 4000 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891