Late Roman / Early Byzantine Hexagonal Pilgrim Vessel with Jewish Symbols

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Fine Arts, Antiques and Jewelry Online Auctio...

By Aspire Auctions

May 29, 2026 - Jun 6, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-05-29 10:00:00 2026-06-06 13:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Arts, Antiques and Jewelry Online Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/aspire-auctions/fine-arts-antiques-and-jewelry-online-auction-23698
Fine Arts, Antiques and Jewelry Online Auction Featuring COLLECTION OF JOSEPH KISVARDAI Aspire Auctions katya@aspireauctions.com

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• Lot Description
  Late Roman / Early Byzantine mold-blown glass pilgrim vessel with Jewish symbols, Palestine, probably Jerusalem, 5th–7th century CE. Hexagonal body with cylindrical neck and folded rim, the six panels bearing molded decoration including a menorah and other Jewish ritual objects. The surface displays heavy soil encrustation with the characteristic iridescent weathering typical of buried ancient glass, showing silver, lavender, and ochre tones. Vessels of this type are believed to have been produced in a single workshop near Jerusalem as tokens for Jewish pilgrims visiting the holy sites, or for use in burial rites. The Jewish examples bear symbols including the menorah (candelabrum), shofar (ram's horn), incense shovel, and lulav (palm branch), while companion vessels made for Christian pilgrims bear crosses. Approximately 200 examples of this type are known, with comparable vessels in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Toledo Museum of Art, Yale University Art Gallery, and the Chrysler Museum of Art.

  Condition

  Intact and structurally sound with no cracks, chips, or repairs evident. The vessel retains its complete hexagonal form with folded rim. Heavy soil encrustation and iridescent weathering overall, consistent with prolonged burial. Mold-blown relief decoration partially obscured by mineral deposits but discernible on several panels. Small air bubbles visible in the glass, consistent with ancient manufacture. Minor surface pitting beneath the encrustation. Base stable and level.
• Shipping Info

  • In-house shipping is available. Please contact katya@aspireauctions.com