Simple yet elegant, this remarkable bowl was first created when the Roman world was at its height. Though that mighty empire has vanished, the delicate beauty of this vessel  More »

Simple yet elegant, this remarkable bowl was first created when the Roman world was at its height. Though that mighty empire has vanished, the delicate beauty of this vessel remains intact. A poet once described glass as "congealed of air, condensed of sunbeam motes, molded of the light of the open plain, or pealed from a white pearl." He must have been thinking of a vessel like this one, which has taken on an opalescent shimmer with the passage of time. We can imagine a Roman citizen enjoying a breakfast of figs or berries from such a bowl, pausing as we do to admire its loveliness. - (GF.0318)   « Less

As we hold this large and gorgeous bowl in our hands today, it is amazing to think that a citizen of the Roman Empire held it in a similar fashion centuries ago. Much has  More »

As we hold this large and gorgeous bowl in our hands today, it is amazing to think that a citizen of the Roman Empire held it in a similar fashion centuries ago. Much has changed in the world since then; mighty empires have come and gone. Yet this fragile bowl remains intact, with only a delicate encrustation to mark the passage of time. As we admire the vessel's graceful beauty, we cannot help but wonder who that vanished Roman was, or what he or she felt. Our imagination takes flight, and we are transported to a distant age. - (GF.0319)   « Less

This Roman glass jar is opaque in colour. A white coloured thread of glass forms a zig-zag pattern around the upper portion of the slightly irregular jar body. In the early  More »

This Roman glass jar is opaque in colour. A white coloured thread of glass forms a zig-zag pattern around the upper portion of the slightly irregular jar body. In the early Roman Empire numerous glass manufacturing centers operated in the Mediterranean area and Western Europe. For the first time in history glass vessels became available in great quantities and competed with pottery and even metal in the marketplace. This particular vessel may have been purchased to function as a container for aromatic oils or possibly cosmetics. - (GF.0321)   « Less

Glass has been prized for centuries. The fine qualities that the ancients enjoyed--the clarity, translucency, brilliance and malleability of glass, are the same ones that  More »

Glass has been prized for centuries. The fine qualities that the ancients enjoyed--the clarity, translucency, brilliance and malleability of glass, are the same ones that appeal to modern aesthetics. The passage of time has served ancient glass well, for the resultant added iridescent quality enhances it enigmatic appearance, giving it an exterior finish of radiant colors and textures. This delicate sprinkler bottle truly exemplifies both the excellent ancient artistry and added qualities that only time can bring. One can guess that the glassblower who created this vessel would be most pleased to see its subtle transformation today, just as we are pleased to behold its brilliant and timeless beauty. - (GF.0329)   « Less

Glass has been prized for centuries. The fine qualities the ancients enjoyed the clarity, translucency, brilliance and malleability of glass, are the same characteristics  More »

Glass has been prized for centuries. The fine qualities the ancients enjoyed the clarity, translucency, brilliance and malleability of glass, are the same characteristics that appeal to modern aesthetics. Moreover, the passage of time has served ancient glass well for the resultant, added iridescent quality enhances its appearance, giving it an exterior finish of complex colors and textures. This delicate blown glass vase truly exemplifies both the excellent ancient artistry and the added characteristics that only time can bring. One can imagine that the artist who created this stunning vessel would be most pleased to see its subtle transformation today, just as we are pleased to behold its unique and timeless beauty. - (GF.0330)   « Less

Glass has been prized for centuries. The fine qualities that the ancients enjoyed the clarity, translucency, brilliance and malleability of glass, are the same  More »

Glass has been prized for centuries. The fine qualities that the ancients enjoyed the clarity, translucency, brilliance and malleability of glass, are the same characteristics that appeal to modern aesthetics. Moreover, the passage of time has served ancient glass well, as evidenced by the iridescent quality of this stunning roman blown glass bowl. This beautiful bowl also exhibits the excellent craftsmanship for which the ancient roman glassblowers are known. A softly rounded rim dips down ever so elegantly to join the gently sloping sides of the bowl. At the same time, a well-proportioned ring base elevates the body of the shallow bowl, further accentuating its attractive shape. This masterpiece of ancient glass would truly enhance any room today, just as it did so many centuries ago, adding an element of timeless beauty and elegance. - (GF.0331)   « Less

The wrinkled surface and the colour of this vessel combine to give a naturalistic representation of a dried date. Small mould-blown flasks of this type were common in the  More »

The wrinkled surface and the colour of this vessel combine to give a naturalistic representation of a dried date. Small mould-blown flasks of this type were common in the first and second centuries A.D and have been found across the Roman Empire.This vessel would have been blown into a two-part mould of two vertical sections, it is of a honey brown colour, the rim is rounded, the neck is short. The relief patterns consist of short wavy ridges imitating the wrinkles of the skin of a ripe date. Flasks of this kind would have been probably made to store perfume.(LK) - (GF.0336)   « Less

For centuries glass has been used for jewelry and ornaments due to its translucent brilliance and range of color. In ancient times glass jewelry, such as this lovely  More »

For centuries glass has been used for jewelry and ornaments due to its translucent brilliance and range of color. In ancient times glass jewelry, such as this lovely bracelet, was considered very precious, more valuable than gold in fact, and only the wealthy classes would have been able to afford them. Here we find gorgeous green swirling with yellow and reddish-brown, interlacing around one another like patterns on a tropical flower. Along the rim is a raised white band segmented by black. The narrowness of the opening indicates this bracelet was made for a child, perhaps the son or daughter of a wealthy merchant or even member of the nobility. Whoever last wore it centuries ago must have done so with pride; just as the person who next wears it will feel that same pleasure in having something beautiful and rare adorning their wrist. - (GF.0340)   « Less

The translucent brilliance of glass has made it popular for jewelry since early times. This lovely bracelet dates to when the art of ancient glassmaking was at its height.  More »

The translucent brilliance of glass has made it popular for jewelry since early times. This lovely bracelet dates to when the art of ancient glassmaking was at its height. However, such ornaments were rare and expensive, even more precious than gold, and restricted to the wealthy classes. The gorgeous lime-green of this bracelet is highlighted by segments of yellow and orange bands, which bend and swirl underneath as if blown by a light breeze. The surface of the outside rim is studded with white beads for added texture. Its narrow size indicates it was worn by a child. Perhaps it was a birthday gift, or given as a special reward. Whatever the occasion, this bracelet is certain to bring as much pleasure to its new owner as it must have done to the luck person who wore it so long ago. - (GF.0341)   « Less

Since its earliest invention, glass was popular for jewelry and ornaments. Its translucent brilliance attracted the eye, while its rich colors imitated rarer and more costly  More »

Since its earliest invention, glass was popular for jewelry and ornaments. Its translucent brilliance attracted the eye, while its rich colors imitated rarer and more costly gems. This lovely bracelet dates to the period when the art of ancient glassmaking was at its height. The beautiful orange, yellow, black and white bands swirl like waves on an amber sea. They weave and twirl in an endless flow, eternal as nature, entrancing as a kaleidoscope. Its narrow size indicates it was worn by a child. We can easily imagine the young person whose wrist this bracelet adorned so long ago delighted in its charms as much as we do today. - (GF.0342)   « Less