This amphora was produced in Syria during the period of Parthian control. The deep blue color is distinctive of the Mesopotamian region produced by alkaline glazes. The local method for preparing these glazes was to burn specific desert plants and combine the ash with ground quartz sand, and often resulted in rich blues, greens and yellows.¹ The shape is similar to those produced in Rome and its colonies, but this is believed to be primarily due to a interest in Greek culture shared by both the Parthians and the Romans.

(1) See the British Museum web page dedicated to this object.