Large Ancient Roman Glass Jar

$1,910.63

A translucent pale green large Roman glass jar of medium thickness. The vessel, sitting on a flat base, features a bulbous body leading to a long neck which opens out to form a rounded flange with funnel-shaped mouth. Spiralling grooves decorate the body showing how the molten glass was twisted during the production process, giving a pleasant allure.

Date: Circa 1st – 4th century AD
Condition: Good condition, with earthly encrustation and beautiful iridescence to the surface.

SOLD

SKU: MG-07 Category: Tags: , ,

Glass was often the preferred material for storing expensive oils, perfumes, and medicines because it was not porous. By the 1st century AD, the technique of glass-blowing had revolutionised the art of glass-making, allowing for the production of small medicine, incense, and perfume containers in new forms. These glass bottles are found frequently at Hellenistic and Roman sites, especially in cemeteries, and the liquids which filled them would have been gathered from all corners of the expansive Roman Empire. A large part of ancient glassworks was designed for tableware use, in particular for carrying and serving water and wine at banquets. The iridescence on ancient Roman glass was unintentional, and was caused by weathering on its surface. The extent to which a glass object weathers depends mainly on the burial conditions; however, the humidity, heat, and type of soil in which the glass was buried also all affect its preservation.

To find out more about Roman glass please see our relevant blog post: Collecting Roman Glass and Ancient Roman Glass.

 

Weight 164.6 g
Dimensions W 11.2 x H 14.5 cm
Culture

Region

Glass

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