The history of glass making before the Industrial revolution can be separated in two stages: in the first, which began in the 3rd millennium BCE and ended in the period from  More »

The history of glass making before the Industrial revolution can be separated in two stages: in the first, which began in the 3rd millennium BCE and ended in the period from 100 to 50 BC, craftsmen discovered how to transform raw materials into glass and how to make vessels and other objects either with moulds or by forming a molten glass around a removable core. Both techniques were labour-intensive and were seldom made in big quantities. In the second stage, beginning in the 1st century CE in the Syro-Palestinian region, glass workers found that molten glass could be formed by inflation and manipulation with tools. Glass blowing enabled them to make quickly a wide range of shapes, thus widening its market.   « Less

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass   « Less

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass   « Less

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 2.875" (7.3cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 2.875" (7.3cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass   « Less

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass   « Less

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 1 st Century AD to 3 rd Century AD Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Glass   « Less

Isn’t it astonishing? Consider the most famous empire in history. The Roman dominion- the nation that poured forth such a torrent of military force that Hannibal was  More »

Isn’t it astonishing? Consider the most famous empire in history. The Roman dominion- the nation that poured forth such a torrent of military force that Hannibal was stopped cold, and kings from India and Scandinavia kneeled in homage. The empire that constructed aqueducts that channeled cold, and clear water to every corner of the European continent. It has crumbled into nothing. Its people and language become the topic of esoteric and curious study. But this piece of glass .Forged by the Roman hands, this piece of glass lay dormant within the earth for two millennia, only to emerge beautiful, gentle, and completely intact. It is so slender, so completely delicate- and yet it has remained where the trumpet-call and spear-clash of the legionnaire have so totally disappeared. Some beautiful and wealthy maiden commissioned this gorgeous little sliver to hold her perfume, but in the pursuit of her mortal vanity- she has given us an eternal gift. For now, we may pause and imagine her olive colored fingers languorously dipping into this flask, rubbing the drops of scent across her neck. We ourselves may place our fingers on top of where hers have been, and truly appreciate the beauty not only of this little bit of glass, but of the world that contained it. For those of us inspired and enthralled by Roman majesty, there can be nothing as awe-inspiring, nor as intimate- as grasping a bit of their opulence, running our fingers over a bit of their graceful art. - (X.0634)   « Less

In the world of terracotta vessels, marble sculpture, and bronze adornment that was the Classical world, no material was prized so much as glass. The material itself was  More »

In the world of terracotta vessels, marble sculpture, and bronze adornment that was the Classical world, no material was prized so much as glass. The material itself was rare, and the process of its forging so laborious, that few artisans took the time necessary to develop the skill. It would have required years of experience for a glass-maker to yield a piece of this quality. This piece demonstrates not only an intimate understanding of the glassmaker’s craft but an equally delicate knowledge of the human form. Feel how perfectly the orb-shaped base fits into your hand. Notice how easily and comfortably your finger curves around the supple spout. When we notice how perfectly suited this vessel is for the human touch, it reminds us that this piece of art was created not only for the sake of beauty, but for utility. Imagine the wonderful existence of the Roman aristocrat who possessed this piece. Every cup he drained, every chair he sat upon, every door-handle he turned was crafted with infinite elegance and complete originality. To turn this piece over in our hands is to transport ourselves into a dimension in which every aspect of the ordinary is laced with incomparable beauty, and meticulous grace. While we enshrine magnificent pieces such as this bit of glass, there was once a time where everything in one’s world was of its quality. To possess it is to delicately hold, for the last time, a shred of a world where opulence, creativity, and the pursuit of the rare and exceptional were once as plentiful as glass is in the modern world - (X.0637)   « Less

In exquisite miniature, this pitcher imitates larger glass vessels in everyday use. Created from a few drops of molten glass, it may well have contained the rarest bit of  More »

In exquisite miniature, this pitcher imitates larger glass vessels in everyday use. Created from a few drops of molten glass, it may well have contained the rarest bit of essence or perfume when Rome was at her peak. As we contemplate this charming object, we cannot help but wonder what function it served so long ago. Did it hang around the neck of some legendary beauty, filling her senses with sweet perfume? Did it protect against some common ailment or keep the wearer free from the excesses of drinking? Its past remains as much a mystery as its size. Yet, as we hold this small token of the past in our hands, we share our pleasure with those who lived in a distant age. - (f.0500)   « Less

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 100 AD to 300 AD Dimensions: 5.3" (13.5cm) high Collection: Biblical Antiquities Style: Roman Glass Medium: Glass

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 100 AD to 300 AD Dimensions: 5.3" (13.5cm) high Collection: Biblical Antiquities Style: Roman Glass Medium: Glass   « Less