{"product_id":"ancient-eastern-mediterranean-ribbed-glass-jug-4th-5th-century-ce","title":"Ancient Eastern Mediterranean Ribbed Glass Jug | 4th–5th Century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Eastern Mediterranean \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Blown Pale Green Glass with Applied Decorative Glass Trails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Circa 4th–5th Century CE, Late Antiquity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis remarkable ancient Eastern Mediterranean glass jug dates to the 4th–5th century CE, representing the sophisticated glassmaking traditions that flourished throughout the Mediterranean during Late Antiquity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vessel features an elegant ovoid body with pronounced vertical ribbing, tapering toward a rounded, slightly flared base. Its slender cylindrical neck rises into a dramatically flaring, trumpet-shaped mouth, finished with a thickened, rounded rim.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn especially distinctive feature is the surviving blue-green glass trailing applied beneath the mouth and encircling the lower neck. A raised glass collar further accentuates the transition between the neck and body. A gracefully curved handle extends from the shoulder to the upper rim, displaying pulled and folded glasswork characteristic of ancient glassmaking techniques.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginally fashioned from pale green blown glass, the vessel exhibits extensive surface weathering, mineral encrustations, and areas of pale beige and blue-green patination. These surface characteristics create a richly textured appearance, with the surviving decorative elements remaining identifiable beneath the accumulated deposits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of pronounced vertical ribbing, applied glass decoration, and elegantly proportioned form demonstrates the technical skill and decorative traditions associated with Eastern Mediterranean glass production during the 4th–5th century CE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAncient blown pale green glass construction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElegant ovoid body with pronounced vertical ribbing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWide, trumpet-shaped mouth with thickened, rounded rim\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApplied blue-green decorative glass trailing beneath the mouth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRaised glass collar encircling the lower neck\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSingle gracefully curved handle extending from the shoulder to the rim\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRounded, slightly flared base retaining ancient manufacturing characteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtensive surface weathering, mineral encrustations, and pale beige and blue-green patination\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlass vessels produced throughout the Eastern Mediterranean during Late Antiquity provide important insight into the technological achievements, artistic traditions, and commercial networks of the ancient world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBy the 4th–5th century CE, glassblowing had become a well-established craft, with workshops throughout the Mediterranean producing a remarkable variety of functional and decorative objects. Eastern Mediterranean glassmakers continued to develop techniques inherited from earlier Roman traditions, incorporating applied glass trails, ribbed surfaces, carefully formed handles, and distinctive vessel profiles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of decorative ribbing, applied glass threads, and a carefully shaped pouring mouth reflects the technical sophistication of glass production during this period. Such features demonstrate how ancient craftsmen balanced practical considerations with ornamental design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlass jugs and pouring vessels were used in domestic and social settings for serving and dispensing liquids, including water, wine, and other preparations. Their varied forms and decorative treatments reflect evolving regional preferences and established manufacturing traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Eastern Mediterranean remained an important centre of glass production and exchange during Late Antiquity. Its workshops contributed to the circulation of glass vessels across extensive commercial networks, linking communities throughout the Mediterranean and neighbouring regions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe present example, with its pronounced vertical ribbing, elegantly flared mouth, applied blue-green decoration, and surviving curved handle, reflects these established vessel-making traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vessel exhibits extensive surface weathering, mineral encrustations, and areas of pale beige and blue-green patination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe ovoid body retains its pronounced vertical ribbing, while the slender cylindrical neck, raised collar, trumpet-shaped mouth, and thickened rounded rim remain identifiable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe applied decorative glass trailing survives beneath the mouth and around the lower neck, and the single curved handle remains attached between the shoulder and rim.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSurface abrasions, minor irregularities, discoloration, and accumulated mineral deposits are visible throughout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe overall condition reflects the vessel's present state of preservation. The presence of fine cracks or historical repairs cannot be conclusively determined from photographic examination alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 5 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 1,500–1,725 years old\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArchaeological Shop, Tel Aviv Hilton, Tel Aviv, Israel — April 20, 1969.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccompanied by a historical archaeological certificate issued by the Archaeological Shop at the Tel Aviv Hilton, dated April 20, 1969. The signed document identifies the object as an archaeological glass vase and attributes it to the 4th century AD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Archaeological Shop operated within the Tel Aviv Hilton, serving international visitors and collectors interested in ancient artifacts and archaeological objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to a copy of the original invoice, the vessel was purchased for US$350 on April 20, 1969. The original invoice was reportedly jointly headed with the Dolphin Shop, 106 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv, and recorded a purchaser's address in Geneva, Switzerland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpert Assessment: \u003c\/strong\u003eExamined by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/pages\/independent-specialist-network\" title=\"Luca Salvaggio | Independent Specialist Network | Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLuca Salvaggio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, an Italian archaeologist specializing in ancient Mediterranean material, with a Postgraduate Diploma from the Italian Archaeological School at Athens (IASA) and accreditation for preventive archaeology from the Italian Ministry of Culture (MiC). He identified the vessel as an Eastern Mediterranean glass jug dating to the 4th–5th century CE, refining its previous classification as a Roman–Byzantine ribbed glass jug. His assessment considered its pale green blown-glass construction, ovoid body with pronounced vertical ribbing, slender cylindrical neck, raised collar, wide trumpet-shaped mouth with thickened rim, applied blue-green glass trailing, and single pulled and folded handle extending from the shoulder to the rim.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover a comparable Late Roman glass jug featuring vertical ribbing and applied glass decoration at \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/249421\" title=\"Late Roman Glass Jug, 4th–5th Century CE – The Metropolitan Museum of Art\"\u003eThe Metropolitan Museum of Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse Our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/roman-greek-artifacts-ancient-relics\" title=\"Roman \u0026amp; Greek Artifacts – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Roman \u0026amp; Greek Artifacts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67846622740802,"sku":null,"price":1750.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/First_photo_design_-_2026-10-22T125124.473.jpg?v=1792698573","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/fr\/products\/ancient-eastern-mediterranean-ribbed-glass-jug-4th-5th-century-ce","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}