Rare Ancient Roman Glass Libation Bowl 1st, 3rd Century CE

About the Item

Technical Description A beautifully iridised and exceedingly rare libation bowl otherwise known as a phiale. Made from translucent pale blue-hued glass and appearing clear in parts. Formed to have a smooth interior and a deep fold to the outer rim. Typically Roman glass libation bowls are found to be plain and undecorated, by contrast, this piece exhibits an extensive radial pattern that resembles the ‘nipt-waies’ technique. Notably this pinched glass technique was reborn and employed extensively in Italy almost a millennium and a half later, this may be one of the earliest recorded examples of such work. The tooled decoration is exceedingly rare to find during this period as moulds were employed ubiquitously to produce relief patterns so that further working is not required; similar decoration in the form of undulating bands can be found adorning later jugs. This Roman glass phiale is based on earlier Greek examples made in the preceding centuries from pottery, metal or wax-cast glass which is an entirely lost technology. The decorative underside resembles the common foliate flower motifs that were either painted, cast or beaten onto those earlier shallow phiales. A fantastic example of cross-cultural decorative inspiration as the maker has paid homage to important artifacts of the time. Date & Origin Roman, Early to Mid Imperial Era, 1st - 3rd century CE. Condition Pitting throughout, patches of thick creamy flaking layers with stunning iridescence. A professional restoration has been carried out likely at the time of excavation. Dimensions Diameter: 20cm Height: 6cm Please contact up from provenance.

Dimensions:
Height: 2.37 in (6 cm)Diameter: 7.88 in (20 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Blown Glass
Place of Origin:
Europe
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
1st-3rd century CE
Condition:
Repaired: Pitting throughout, patches of thick creamy flaking layers with stunning iridescence. A professional restoration has been carried out likely at the time of excavation. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Whitburn, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU6223234429192