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Ancient Roman Glass Jug
- This large Roman glass jug dates to circa 100–300 CE
- Its green glass displays brilliant rainbow iridescence developed over centuries
- Free-blown construction gives the vessel its rounded body and graceful neck
- Its large size and intact survival across nearly two millennia make it a rare find
- Get complete item description here
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Circa 100–300 CE
Surviving intact for nearly two millennia, this large Roman glass jug is a remarkable testament to one of antiquity’s great technical achievements. Glassblowing transformed the ancient world, allowing artisans to shape molten glass into vessels of extraordinary variety and refinement. Crafted using this revolutionary technique, this example preserves both its elegant form and the brilliant rainbow iridescence developed over centuries.
Its broad globular body rises to. . .
Circa 100–300 CE
Surviving intact for nearly two millennia, this large Roman glass jug is a remarkable testament to one of antiquity’s great technical achievements. Glassblowing transformed the ancient world, allowing artisans to shape molten glass into vessels of extraordinary variety and refinement. Crafted using this revolutionary technique, this example preserves both its elegant form and the brilliant rainbow iridescence developed over centuries.
Its broad globular body rises to a tall waisted neck and collared mouth, with a single strap handle joining the rim to the shoulder. To find such a substantial vessel in fragile glass still intact after so many centuries is exceptional.
The jug’s exceptional iridescence is the product of centuries spent buried in the earth. Moisture in the soil slowly changed the surface of the green glass, forming thin layers that reflect light in shimmering shades of blue, violet and gold. Time itself created this remarkable rainbow effect.
A smaller jug with a globular body, collared rim and strap handle is preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cesnola Collection.
10 1/2" high x 8 1/4" wide x 7 3/4" deep
Provenance:
Private Collection, Oxford
Private Collection, United Kingdom
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
| Period: | Ancient |
| Origin: | Italy |
| Type: | Pitchers |
| Depth: | 7.75 in. (19.69 cm) |
| Width: | 8.25 in. (20.96 cm) |
| Height: | 10.5 in. (26.67 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
