Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An elegant example of a tall pouring vessel known as an oinochoe that is free-blown from nearly transparent glass of a soft yellow-green color. The piriform body rests upon an applied foot and tapers to a narrow neck adorned with a tooled rigaree band of a sumptuous green hue. Blue trailing wraps several times around the upper neck as well as outlined the rim of the pouring spout, and the pulled trail handle exhibits a dramatic lateral projection that creates a thumb rest. Attractive layers of rainbow-hued iridescence have formed across this distinguished glass vessel. Size: 3.6" W x 8.75" H (9.1 cm x 22.2 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.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private prominent D.K. collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 2000s
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#155704
Condition
Repair to back of spout and handle, with small area of restoration to rim with touch-up painting, and resurfacing, small chips, and light adhesive residue along break lines. Light encrustations and abrasions to foot, body, handle, and spout, and micro-bubbling within glass matrix. Nice earthen deposits and rainbow iridescence throughout.