Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A free-blown green glass vessel with a near spherical body leading to a tubular neck and terminating in a funnel mouth - a lovely form with beautiful areas of rainbow iridescence. Size: 6.5" H (16.5 cm)

The following piece of ancient poetry captures the artistry of the glassblower, "… fabricating for mankind … First he heated the very point of the iron, then snatched from nearby a lump of bright glass and placed it skillfully within the hollow furnace. And the crystal as it tasted the heat of the fire was softened by the strokes of Hephaestus like … he blew in from his mouth a quick breath … like a man essaying the most delightful art of the flute. The glass received the force of his breath and became swollen out around itself like a shpere before it …" (P.Oxy. 50.3536, a third century poem on glass blowing)

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#132740

  • Condition: Surface shows earthen deposits as well as beautiful rainbow and silvery iridescence creating a mesmerizing swirling pattern. Smooth pontil mark on the base.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 25, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000