Ancient Roman Glass Mosaic Fragment






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Ancient Roman mosaic glass fragment, circa 1st century BC–1st century AD, triangular in shape with a pale cream-beige opaque base and brown and red canes forming polychromatic rings, measuring about 1.9 cm wide by 2.6 cm long and 0.4 cm high, in good condition with minor surface scratches, provenance from a private collection and acquired in 2020 with prior ownership linked to a gallery/antique dealer.
Description from the seller
A fine Ancient Roman mosaic glass fragment, likely once part of a tile or a vessel. It is roughly triangular in shape, and features a pale cream-beige base colour, which is opaque. The mosaic pattern is formed from canes of brown and red glass which create polychromatic rings in the main matrix. Some of the rings have blurred and bled into each other and the background, creating a beautiful sense of flowing movement throughout the piece. The surface of the fragment is slightly coarse and textured on all sides. Minor scratches to the surface.
Originating during the Hellenistic period, the mosaic glass-making technique spread into the Roman empire after the annexation of Ptolemaic Egypt, becoming popular amongst the Roman elites. However, following the decline of the empire in the 5th century AD, glass making died out in Western Europe.
Measurements: (circa) W 1.9cm x L 2.6cm x H 0.4cm
Provenance: Ex Gallery Mikazuki prior to 1984 property of a London gentleman.
Seller's Story
A fine Ancient Roman mosaic glass fragment, likely once part of a tile or a vessel. It is roughly triangular in shape, and features a pale cream-beige base colour, which is opaque. The mosaic pattern is formed from canes of brown and red glass which create polychromatic rings in the main matrix. Some of the rings have blurred and bled into each other and the background, creating a beautiful sense of flowing movement throughout the piece. The surface of the fragment is slightly coarse and textured on all sides. Minor scratches to the surface.
Originating during the Hellenistic period, the mosaic glass-making technique spread into the Roman empire after the annexation of Ptolemaic Egypt, becoming popular amongst the Roman elites. However, following the decline of the empire in the 5th century AD, glass making died out in Western Europe.
Measurements: (circa) W 1.9cm x L 2.6cm x H 0.4cm
Provenance: Ex Gallery Mikazuki prior to 1984 property of a London gentleman.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
