Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A HUGE and I mean HUGE - one cannot emphasize the generous size of this vessel enough - translucent glass jug presenting stunning pale, aqua hues. It's rectangular body was most likely mold-blown to an even square profile, although the corners are rounded and straight walls are a bit concave. The form is completed by a short tubular neck, a thick, flattened rim, and a generous, ridged, trailed handle attached at one side - joining neck to shoulder. Elegant form, lovely cool blue-green hues that resemble Tiffany blue, with attractive areas of rainbow iridescence. Size: 4.375" W x 11.375" H (11.1 cm x 28.9 cm)
This vessel was most likely created in Cologne. By 50 CE, Cologne was the largest Roman settlement north of the Alps. The Romans called the region Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium - meaning Colony of Claudius and Altar of Agrippines. With an impressive population of 45,000, Cologne became a major glass manufacturing area from Roman times all the way through the 18th century CE. Recently, the Roman-Germanic Museum Cologne which has the largest collection of Roman and Frankish glass throughout the world hosted a wonderful exhibit entitled, "Fragile Luxury: Cologne - A Center of Antique Glass Art" (June 3, 2016-March 26, 2017). According to the museum's press release, "As early as the middle of the first century AD, glass factories were set up in the Colonia. The flammable glassworks were located outside the city walls. Probably immigrant glassmakers produced there initially with imported raw glass ingots. It was then recognized that, for example, the pure sands which were present in Frechen were outstandingly suitable for the production of glass vessels." This landmark exhibit traced the 2000 year tradition of glass-making in Cologne.
Provenance: private Pennsylvania, USA collection
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#130918
Condition
Intact with internal stress fissure. Surface with areas of deposits as well as gorgeous rainbow iridescence.