Roman, early Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A petite and beautiful flask composed of opaque blue and white glass canes which are arranged vertically and form the bulbous body, slightly-indented neck, and flared, in-folded rim. The base is round yet stable and, when at rest, sits with a minor tilt. This type of ancient glass - also known as mosaic glass - is created through the process of casting and blowing which allows the artist to weave strands of different-colored glass across the surfaces. A smooth pontil scar resides on the side of the vessel and indicates that this vessel was made by hand. Size: 1.75" W x 2.8" H (4.4 cm x 7.1 cm).
Most scholars agree, Roman glass was of the highest quality - both aesthetically and technically - among the ancients. While glass making had been practiced for centuries, glass blowing was invented in the Roman-controlled Holy Land in the 1st century BCE. This innovative technology revolutionized the artform. We can appreciate such a wide variety of forms and shapes, because the medium of glass has unique physical properties that make for so many more possibilities which would eventually replace a wide variety of pottery and metal wares in the ancient world. Roman glassmakers reached incredible artistic heights with both free-blown vessels and mold blown forms and decorations and were traded far beyond the Roman Empire. Roman glass vessels have been found in Scandinavia, India, and in Han Dynasty tombs in China.
For a stylistically-similar example, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 74.51.195: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/239780
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#142192
Condition
Repaired from multiple pieces, with small areas of restoration, minor chips, and light adhesive residue along break lines. Small chips to rim and base, with minor abrasions and pitting holes across body and base. Light earthen deposits throughout.