About this artwork
Initially affordable only among the wealthy, glass was used in ancient Rome as containers for oils, perfume, and tablewares. The variety of glass-making techniques reveals the changing tastes and fashions over the centuries. During the 1st century A.D., cast glass was a novel form that was a luxury for the Roman household, but by the end of the century, the innovation of blown glass allowed for less labor-intensive and less expensive production, which meant people of lesser means could afford it. Blown glass became so popular it nearly supplanted ceramic and even bronze wares in the home.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantium
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Culture
- Ancient Roman
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Title
- Bottle
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Place
- Mediterranean Region (Object made in)
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Date
- 50 BCE–50 CE
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Medium
- Glass, blown technique
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Dimensions
- 7.6 × 3.9 × 3.9 cm (3 × 1 1/2 × 1 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Theodore W. and Frances S. Robinson
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Reference Number
- 1949.1141
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/67446/manifest.json