Ancient Roman Translucent Glass Beaker






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Ancient Roman translucent glass beaker lamp, circa 4th century AD, blown in light blue‑green glass with a tapering body that flares to a wide mouth and slightly everted rim, sitting on a dimpled circular base with faint wheel‑cut lines and iridescent surface traces; measurements about 8 cm high and 8.2 cm wide, provenance from a private collection in London, UK in the 1990s, authenticity original.
Description from the seller
A stunning Ancient Roman beaker lamp, blown from translucent glass with a light blue-green colouring. The vessel features a tapering body, slightly conical in shape, which flares upwards to meet a wide mouth and a slightly everted rim. The lamp sits on a dimpled circular base. Faint wheel-cut lines encircle the middle of the body and the mouth below the rim. Traces of iridescence to the surface of the glass. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age to the surface. Pinprick bubbles are visible throughout. Very minor chipping to the rim.
As in the modern day, glassware in antiquity was considered an art form, with the best pieces were valued higher than wares made from precious metals. By the 1st century AD, the technique of glass-blowing had revolutionised the art of glass-making, allowing for the production of small medicine, incense, and perfume containers in new forms. The beaker did not appear before the Roman period, and it only began to be manufactured for everyday use with the invention of glassblowing. Roman beakers were usually plain, but some were decorated. In addition to functioning as drinking vessels, they also served as containers for various kinds of foods and ointments, as well as often serving as lamps. Like other utilitarian vessels, the beakers exhibited the same shapes over a long period of time, and they were probably manufactured in a number of production centres, not merely one.
Measurements: (circa) H 8cm x W 8.2cm
Provenance: From an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s.
Seller's Story
A stunning Ancient Roman beaker lamp, blown from translucent glass with a light blue-green colouring. The vessel features a tapering body, slightly conical in shape, which flares upwards to meet a wide mouth and a slightly everted rim. The lamp sits on a dimpled circular base. Faint wheel-cut lines encircle the middle of the body and the mouth below the rim. Traces of iridescence to the surface of the glass. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age to the surface. Pinprick bubbles are visible throughout. Very minor chipping to the rim.
As in the modern day, glassware in antiquity was considered an art form, with the best pieces were valued higher than wares made from precious metals. By the 1st century AD, the technique of glass-blowing had revolutionised the art of glass-making, allowing for the production of small medicine, incense, and perfume containers in new forms. The beaker did not appear before the Roman period, and it only began to be manufactured for everyday use with the invention of glassblowing. Roman beakers were usually plain, but some were decorated. In addition to functioning as drinking vessels, they also served as containers for various kinds of foods and ointments, as well as often serving as lamps. Like other utilitarian vessels, the beakers exhibited the same shapes over a long period of time, and they were probably manufactured in a number of production centres, not merely one.
Measurements: (circa) H 8cm x W 8.2cm
Provenance: From an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s.
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.
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.
