Technical Description
An ancient Roman glass bowl was produced during the 1st century BCE. This is a stunning example of early cast glass. The bowl has a rounded rim and continuous concave walls that travel seamlessly to the flattened base. Two concentric wheel-cut bands have been engraved as decoration to the interior. The glass appears transparent and almost colourless in natural light, there is a very light aqua hue that can be detected in the shade. Patches of iridescence throughout the exterior and interior of the bowl.
Colourless glass is known to have been among the most highly prized glassware of the Romans for its resemblance to carved rock crystal. The achievement involved a more complex chemical process to cancel out the silica’s natural hues; this was far more expensive requiring both the raw ingredients and expertise.
This form has been recovered in the Eastern Mediterranean areas of Cyprus and the Sea of Galilee in Isreal. The vessel was produced during the Early Imperial Augustan Age 50BC - 50BCE.
Date & Origin
Roman, Early Imperial Era, 50BC - 50BCE.
Condition
Intact. Naturally pitted and weathered, patches of beautiful iridescence and residual encrustation.
Dimensions
Height: 4.5 cm
Diameter: 15cm
Historical Context
In this time Octavian pursued Mark Antony and Cleopatra from the battle of Actium to Alexandria where the city was invaded, effectively ending the Ptolemaic Dynasty and Hellenistic Greek period simultaneously. Three years later in 31 BC, Octavian was declared Caesar Augustus becoming the first Caesar of Imperial Rome, ending the Roman Republic.15cm
Documented Examples
MET Museum: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/239881
MET Museum: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/245729
Joop van der Groen Collection: https://ancientglass.wordpress.com/2022/06/27/roman-glass-bowl-3/
