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Ancient Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A very large free-blown green glass sprinkler vessel, its body of a near spherical form with dense diagonal ribbing, a cylindrical neck that is slightly constricted at the junction with the body, a flared mouth with a folded and tooled rim, all sitting on a concave base. The applied slender ring around the interior of the neck was designed to constrict it to ensure that the precious contents (scented oils or perfumes) would not spill or could not be poured too quickly. Size: 5.25″ in diameter at widest x 6.375″ H (13.3 cm x 16.2 cm)
Most scholars agree, Roman glass was of the highest quality -both aesthetically and technically – among the ancients. While glass making had been practiced for centuries, the Romans invented glass blowing in the 1st century BCE which revolutionized the artform. We can appreciate such a wide variety of forms and shapes, because the medium of glass has unique physical properties that make for so many more possibilities than metal or clay. Roman glassmakers reached incredible artistic heights with both free-blown vessels and mould blown forms and decorations.
Condition: Repaired from multiple pieces. Surface shows nice areas of iridescence.
Provenance: ex-private East Coast, USA collection
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