**Originally Listed At $600**
Roman, late Imperial Period, ca. late 4th to early 5th century CE. A stunning mold-blown glass vessel presenting a cobalt blue color and a near-opaque appearance. The vessel is defined by a slightly concave base and a smooth pontil scar, an apple-shaped body, a sweeping shoulder leading to a tubular neck, and a thin rim. Both body and shoulder display a series vertical columns, each boasting several smaller facets within the raised borders, and the neck is textured with a register of spiralized ribs which imbue it with a tornadic appearance. Layers of opulent golden patina elegantly complement the vessel's saturated sapphire hue, making it an exceedingly rare and desirable example of quality Roman glass-blowing artistry! Size: 2" W x 2.625" H (5.1 cm x 6.7 cm).
Widespread from the early Imperial period, small glass vessels like this example were mass-produced using the technique of glassblowing; however, they nevertheless show significant variations in shape and color of the glass, making each piece virtually unique. Glassblowing was invented towards the middle of the 1st century BCE in the Syrian-Palestinian region, and eventually spread throughout the Mediterranean basin. This amazing technical innovation transformed the glass industry, because it enabled glassmakers to produce tableware and storage containers in a wider variety - more readily and quickly than ever before. Consequently, glass overtook clay as a raw material for the manufacture of vessels in virtually all arenas of daily life from the late Hellenistic period onward.
Provenance: ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection
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#135044
Condition
Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age as expected, light roughness to rim and body, and minor chipping to iridescence, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits and fabulous golden iridescence throughout.