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Learn MoreAncient Roman Glass Funerary Urn
- This extraordinary glass vessel hails from the illustrious Roman empire circa 1st century CE
- It is exceptionally rare to find such a beautiful example such as this in pristine condition
- These glass vessels were created as storage jugs or funerary urns for the ashes of the deceased
- Many examples of these vases can be seen in major museum collections including the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Get complete item description here
$29,850
Item No.
31-8791
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Description
This extraordinary glass vessel hails from the illustrious Roman empire, likely from Italy, dating to the mid-1st to 2nd century CE. It is exceptionally rare to find such a large and beautiful example such as this not only completely intact but also in excellent condition, with its iridescent pale green glass showing minimal signs of its ancient age.
These vessels were created sometimes as storage jugs or, more commonly, as funerary urns that would. . .
These vessels were created sometimes as storage jugs or, more commonly, as funerary urns that would. . .
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This extraordinary glass vessel hails from the illustrious Roman empire, likely from Italy, dating to the mid-1st to 2nd century CE. It is exceptionally rare to find such a large and beautiful example such as this not only completely intact but also in excellent condition, with its iridescent pale green glass showing minimal signs of its ancient age.
These vessels were created sometimes as storage jugs or, more commonly, as funerary urns that would contain the ashes of the deceased. In the early Roman Imperial period (1st-4th century), cremation was the preferred method of burial, and glass was the primary material used for these cinerary vessels. The shapes and styles of the vessels varied, with some featuring matching lids and handles. Some examples that were excavated from tombs in Italy, Gaul and Britain were found protected within stone or lead containers, which helps explain their remarkable preservation.
Other examples have been found largely in Europe, in the middle and north of the Roman Empire, with many featured in major museum collections such as the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A red inventory number graces the bottom of this vessel, indicating that it was likely acquired by a major museum around 1915.
Circa 1st—2nd Century CE
9 1/2" high x 8 3/4" diameter
Provenance:
Dina (1928-2021) and Raphael (1924-1999) Recanati Collection, New York, acquired by circa 1974
Thence by descent
Literature:
This jar corresponds to Isings form 67a.
For the type, see C. Isings, Roman Glass from Dated Finds, Groningen, 1957, pp. 86-7; D. Whitehouse, Roman Glass in The Corning Museum of Glass, vol.1, Corning, 1997, p. 175, no. 307.
For examples in the Louvre found in both France and Italy, cf. V. Arveiller-Dulong and M-D. Nenna, Les Verres Antiques du Musèe du Louvre, vol. II, Paris, 2005, pp. 158-64, nos. 433-57.
These vessels were created sometimes as storage jugs or, more commonly, as funerary urns that would contain the ashes of the deceased. In the early Roman Imperial period (1st-4th century), cremation was the preferred method of burial, and glass was the primary material used for these cinerary vessels. The shapes and styles of the vessels varied, with some featuring matching lids and handles. Some examples that were excavated from tombs in Italy, Gaul and Britain were found protected within stone or lead containers, which helps explain their remarkable preservation.
Other examples have been found largely in Europe, in the middle and north of the Roman Empire, with many featured in major museum collections such as the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A red inventory number graces the bottom of this vessel, indicating that it was likely acquired by a major museum around 1915.
Circa 1st—2nd Century CE
9 1/2" high x 8 3/4" diameter
Provenance:
Dina (1928-2021) and Raphael (1924-1999) Recanati Collection, New York, acquired by circa 1974
Thence by descent
Literature:
This jar corresponds to Isings form 67a.
For the type, see C. Isings, Roman Glass from Dated Finds, Groningen, 1957, pp. 86-7; D. Whitehouse, Roman Glass in The Corning Museum of Glass, vol.1, Corning, 1997, p. 175, no. 307.
For examples in the Louvre found in both France and Italy, cf. V. Arveiller-Dulong and M-D. Nenna, Les Verres Antiques du Musèe du Louvre, vol. II, Paris, 2005, pp. 158-64, nos. 433-57.
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Specifications
| Period: | Ancient |
| Origin: | Italy |
| Type: | Other |
| Depth: | 8.75 in. (22.23 cm) |
| Width: | 8.75 in. (22.23 cm) |
| Height: | 9.5 in. (24.13 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
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