Ancient Roman–Byzantine Ribbed Glass Jug | 4th–5th Century CE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Eastern Mediterranean, Roman Empire
Material: Ancient Blown Glass with Applied Decorative Glass Trails
Period: Late Roman–Early Byzantine Period, circa 4th–5th Century CE
Description
This remarkable ancient Roman–Byzantine glass jug represents more than 1,500 years of glassmaking history, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and decorative traditions of Late Antiquity.
The 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.
An exceptionally attractive feature is the surviving blue-green glass trailing applied beneath the mouth and encircling the lower neck. A gracefully curved handle extends from the shoulder to the upper rim, displaying the distinctive pulled and folded glasswork associated with Late Roman craftsmanship.
Originally fashioned from translucent pale green glass, the vessel has developed extensive surface weathering, mineral encrustations, and areas of darker blue-green coloration, creating a richly textured appearance.
The combination of vertical ribbing, applied glass decoration, and elegantly proportioned form makes this vessel a distinctive example of ancient Roman glass artistry.
Features
- Hand-blown pale green glass construction
- Elegant ovoid body with pronounced vertical ribbing
- Wide, trumpet-shaped mouth with thickened rounded rim
- Applied blue-green glass trailing beneath the mouth
- Decorative raised glass collar encircling the lower neck
- Single gracefully curved handle extending from shoulder to mouth
- Rounded, slightly flared base with ancient manufacturing characteristics
- Extensive surface weathering, mineral encrustations, and blue-green patination
- Accompanied by a historical archaeological certificate dated April 20, 1969
- Original 1969 purchase documentation recording a sale price of US$350
Cultural Significance
Glass vessels of this form illustrate the remarkable achievements of Roman glassmakers during Late Antiquity, when established Roman manufacturing traditions continued to develop throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.
The combination of decorative ribbing, applied glass threads, and carefully formed handles reflects the technical sophistication of ancient glass production. These techniques allowed craftsmen to create vessels that balanced practical functionality with distinctive ornamental qualities.
Small pouring vessels were widely employed in domestic and social settings for dispensing liquids, including water, wine, and oils. Their varied forms and decorative treatments reflect the evolving tastes and manufacturing traditions of the Late Roman and Early Byzantine worlds.
Surviving examples provide valuable insight into ancient craftsmanship, everyday practices, and the continuity of artistic traditions across the Mediterranean. This particular jug is further distinguished by its surviving historical documentation, which records its presence in the antiquities market in 1969.
Condition
Ancient condition with substantial surface weathering, mineral accretions, and areas of pale beige and blue-green patination consistent in appearance with long-term age and burial-related deterioration.
The vessel retains its distinctive ribbed body, flared mouth, applied decorative glass trails, and curved handle. Surface abrasions, minor irregularities, and age-related wear are visible throughout.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 5 in
Age (Approximate)
1,500–1,700 years old
Provenance
Archaeological Shop, Tel Aviv Hilton, Tel Aviv, Israel — April 20, 1969.
Accompanied 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.
The Archaeological Shop operated within the Tel Aviv Hilton, serving international visitors and collectors interested in ancient artifacts and archaeological objects.
According 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.
Learn More
Discover a comparable Late Roman glass jug featuring vertical ribbing and applied glass decoration at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Browse Our Collection of Roman & Greek Artifacts
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Eastern Mediterranean, Roman Empire
Material: Ancient Blown Glass with Applied Decorative Glass Trails
Period: Late Roman–Early Byzantine Period, circa 4th–5th Century CE
Description
This remarkable ancient Roman–Byzantine glass jug represents more than 1,500 years of glassmaking history, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and decorative traditions of Late Antiquity.
The 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.
An exceptionally attractive feature is the surviving blue-green glass trailing applied beneath the mouth and encircling the lower neck. A gracefully curved handle extends from the shoulder to the upper rim, displaying the distinctive pulled and folded glasswork associated with Late Roman craftsmanship.
Originally fashioned from translucent pale green glass, the vessel has developed extensive surface weathering, mineral encrustations, and areas of darker blue-green coloration, creating a richly textured appearance.
The combination of vertical ribbing, applied glass decoration, and elegantly proportioned form makes this vessel a distinctive example of ancient Roman glass artistry.
Features
- Hand-blown pale green glass construction
- Elegant ovoid body with pronounced vertical ribbing
- Wide, trumpet-shaped mouth with thickened rounded rim
- Applied blue-green glass trailing beneath the mouth
- Decorative raised glass collar encircling the lower neck
- Single gracefully curved handle extending from shoulder to mouth
- Rounded, slightly flared base with ancient manufacturing characteristics
- Extensive surface weathering, mineral encrustations, and blue-green patination
- Accompanied by a historical archaeological certificate dated April 20, 1969
- Original 1969 purchase documentation recording a sale price of US$350
Cultural Significance
Glass vessels of this form illustrate the remarkable achievements of Roman glassmakers during Late Antiquity, when established Roman manufacturing traditions continued to develop throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.
The combination of decorative ribbing, applied glass threads, and carefully formed handles reflects the technical sophistication of ancient glass production. These techniques allowed craftsmen to create vessels that balanced practical functionality with distinctive ornamental qualities.
Small pouring vessels were widely employed in domestic and social settings for dispensing liquids, including water, wine, and oils. Their varied forms and decorative treatments reflect the evolving tastes and manufacturing traditions of the Late Roman and Early Byzantine worlds.
Surviving examples provide valuable insight into ancient craftsmanship, everyday practices, and the continuity of artistic traditions across the Mediterranean. This particular jug is further distinguished by its surviving historical documentation, which records its presence in the antiquities market in 1969.
Condition
Ancient condition with substantial surface weathering, mineral accretions, and areas of pale beige and blue-green patination consistent in appearance with long-term age and burial-related deterioration.
The vessel retains its distinctive ribbed body, flared mouth, applied decorative glass trails, and curved handle. Surface abrasions, minor irregularities, and age-related wear are visible throughout.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 5 in
Age (Approximate)
1,500–1,700 years old
Provenance
Archaeological Shop, Tel Aviv Hilton, Tel Aviv, Israel — April 20, 1969.
Accompanied 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.
The Archaeological Shop operated within the Tel Aviv Hilton, serving international visitors and collectors interested in ancient artifacts and archaeological objects.
According 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.
Learn More
Discover a comparable Late Roman glass jug featuring vertical ribbing and applied glass decoration at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Browse Our Collection of Roman & Greek Artifacts
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