Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A gorgeous Roman vessel of translucent golden amber glass with canes of opaque white glass swirled throughout the drop-shaped body and tubular neck. This type of ancient glass - known as "marbled", "color-band", or "mosaic" glass - is created through a process of casting and blowing which allows the artist to weave strands of different-colored glass throughout the composition. The slightly concave base allows the vessel to stand proudly and display its beauty for all to admire. Vessels like this example would have been used by the ancients to contain scented oils or other precious liquids. Size: 2" in diameter x 3.25" H (5.1 cm x 8.3 cm)
Note how the mosaic canes were artfully marvered into the surface to create elegant swags of milky white ribbon-like patterns throughout the body, shoulders, neck, and rim. Then the artisan inflated the form, thus amplifying this effect to add to the drama of the decorative program.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York, New York; ex J.M.E collection, New York, acquired in Munich, June 2005
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#147867
Condition
Lip restored. One stable .5" fissure at the rim that runs diagonally and is difficult to see unless held to light. Slight surface wear and scattered earthen deposits. No indication of a pontil mark suggesting that the vessel was mold-made.