Byzantine bottle for holy oils, Syria, 10th century

The Byzantine phial used as a container for Christian holy oils, Northern Syria. Gold and amethyst. In the private collection in Switzerland.

“This elegant little vessel with its egg-shaped belly decorated with two amethysts was found in the North of Syria. The byzantine crosses engraved on the amethysts imply that it was fabricated around the 10th century AD, The shell-shaped receptacle and the clip indicate that the vessel was designed to hold Christian holy oils. The artifact was loaned for analysis by a private foundation in Switzerland.”

G. Demortier, Analysis of Gold jewellery Artifacts CHARACTERIZATION OF ANCIENT GOLD SOLDERS BY PIXE https://www.academia.edu/resource/work/57734957

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