Anastassios Antonaras, The Art of Glass. Works from the collection of the Museum of Byzantine Culture

Publication of the Museum of Byzantine Culture, with the kind support of the J. F. Costopoulos Foundation and the Association of Friends of the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Production: Ziti publications. Thessaloniki, 2019.

The most important 447 glass objects from the Museum’s collections are presented in the 335 pages of this bilingual publication. They extend chronologically from the 4th c. B.C. to the 20th c. A.D. A detailed introduction puts the objects in their chronological, technological and social context. The largest group comprise 239 vessels, both local and imported ones, which are mostly dated between the 3rd and 6th c. The rest of the vessels comprise also very rare, middle-Byzantine sherds and a significant number of Palaeologan and Ottoman-era vessels dated between the 13th and 18th cc. Most of them are imported from the Arab Caliphates and Venice, painted flasks. The next group consists of 176 jewels (beads, amulets, bracelets and gems) which testify to the wide array of glass products circulating in the eastern Mediterranean area from the Early Christian to the Ottoman periods. In addition, architectural uses of glass are illustrated with 2 sets of window panes, one early Christian and one Ottoman; and 4 sets of wall mosaics with glass tesserae from early Christian basilicas of Thessaloniki. Finally, the catalogue concludes with 4th- and 9th-century glass working remains from excavations in Thessaloniki

All objects are illustrated with a color photo and with the exception of the beads all have a line drawing. Two find spot maps, within and outside of Thessaloniki, are provided. Detailed bibliography and three indices conclude the publication: Concordances of registration and catalogue numbers and a list of provenances and grave groups.