Sidonian Cobalt Blue Glass with Jewish Motives

A striking mold-blown glass juglet produced in the renowned workshops of Sidon during the early Roman period. Formed in a multi-part mold, the vessel features a cylindrical body with a broad rounded shoulder, flaring neck, and a delicate applied handle attached from the shoulder to the rim. The deep cobalt-blue body contrasts beautifully with the pale translucent blue-green handle, a characteristic feature of fine Sidonian glass.

The body is divided into vertical panels, each decorated in relief with distinctive molded motifs, including concentric roundels, crossed X-shaped ornaments, amphora-like forms, and other stylized decorative emblems. A band of repeating leaf decoration encircles the base, while finely ribbed fluting adorns the shoulder, creating a harmonious architectural composition.

This rare juglet closely follows the celebrated Sidonian mold-blown vessels illustrated by Yael Israeli in Ancient Glass in the Israel Museum (pp. 130–131), representing one of the finest achievements of Roman glassmaking. Combining technical innovation with elegant design, it reflects the exceptional craftsmanship for which Sidonian workshops were renowned throughout the Roman world.