Byzantine

Pilgrimage Jug with Christian Symbols

578–636
Glass, mold-blown technique
9.1 × 7 cm (3.6 × 2.8 in)

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● On view now — Gallery 152

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Glass workshops outside the walls of Jerusalem mass-produced a series of hexagonal and octagonal jugs with Christian or Jewish symbols on their sides. The vessels with Christian symbols, like this example, have images of the cross alternating with diamond shapes. Such vessels were probably filled with oil from holy sites and sold to pilgrims.

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