Late Roman Blown Green Glass Jug with Applied Coiled Trails | Circa 3rd – 5th Century CE
- Prix habituel
- $900.00
- Prix soldé
- $900.00
- Prix habituel
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Late Roman Blown Green Glass Jug with Applied Coiled Trails | Circa 3rd – 5th Century CE
Description
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Moins
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Roman world, likely Eastern Mediterranean
Material: Blown translucent green glass with applied glass trail decoration
Period: Late Roman Period, circa 3rd–5th Century CE
Description
A striking Late Roman blown-glass jug dating to approximately the 3rd–5th century CE, distinguished by its rich translucent blue-green coloration, heavy applied trailing, and remarkably sculptural form.
The vessel was free-blown and formed with a tall, slightly tapering cylindrical neck rising from a compact rounded body. A broad folded and flared rim surrounds the circular mouth, while a substantial applied handle extends from the upper neck to the lower body. The handle retains a somewhat lighter green transparency, creating an attractive contrast with the darker body of the vessel.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the series of thick applied glass trails encircling the lower body. These raised bands wrap around the vessel in a pronounced coiled or serpentine arrangement, producing an unusually bold three-dimensional profile. Although visually reminiscent of intertwined snakes, they are more accurately described as applied coiled glass trails, a decorative technique employed by Roman glassmakers to add both texture and visual complexity.
The underside preserves a pronounced pontil scar, evidence of the vessel's traditional hand-blown manufacture. During production, the vessel would have been transferred to a pontil rod so that the rim, handle, and applied decoration could be completed while the glass remained workable.
Centuries of burial have produced extensive natural surface weathering, mineral accretions, and areas of attractive iridescence. The resulting silver, pale green, and blue reflections across the surface are characteristic of ancient glass that has undergone prolonged chemical interaction with the surrounding soil.
Features
- Translucent deep blue-green to emerald-green glass
- Thick applied coiled glass trails surrounding the lower body
- Large vertically applied handle attached between the neck and lower body
- Broad folded and flared rim surrounding the mouth
- Visible pontil scar on the underside
- Extensive natural mineral encrustation and burial deposits
- Strong areas of naturally developed iridescence
- Hand-blown construction with characteristic asymmetry
- Sculptural decorative profile uncommon among simpler Roman utility vessels
Cultural Significance
Glass production reached a remarkable level of sophistication throughout the Roman Empire following the widespread adoption of glassblowing during the 1st century BCE. By the later Roman period, glass vessels were manufactured in an enormous variety of functional and decorative forms for storing, serving, and pouring liquids.
Applied trails were among the techniques used by Roman glassworkers to transform otherwise utilitarian vessels into more elaborate objects. Glass threads could be applied while molten and manipulated around the body to form ribs, coils, handles, and ornamental bands. The substantial trails seen on this vessel give it an especially architectural and sculptural appearance.
The naturally iridescent surface now visible is not an original decorative coating. Rather, it developed gradually through centuries of burial as microscopic layers of the glass reacted with moisture and minerals in the surrounding environment, creating the luminous surface prized by collectors of ancient glass today.
Condition
Archaeological condition consistent with substantial age. The vessel exhibits extensive surface weathering, mineral deposits, encrustation, scratches, and areas of naturally developed iridescence. The glass retains variations in transparency ranging from deep teal-green to lighter translucent green. Wear and irregularities are consistent with ancient manufacture and prolonged burial.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.85 in
Body Diameter: 2.5 in
Age (Approximate)
1,500–1,800 years old
Provenance
Formerly held in a private collection in Massachusetts.
Subsequently handled by White’s Auctions, Middleborough, Massachusetts. Established in 1993, White’s Auctions is an independent, privately owned Massachusetts auction house specializing in antiques, fine art, decorative arts, and historical material. The firm conducts catalogued estate and collection sales and has served collectors, dealers, galleries, and consignors for more than three decades.
Learn More
Discover a comparable example of ancient Roman glass at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Explore our Collection of Roman & Greek Artifacts & Ancient Relics
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Roman world, likely Eastern Mediterranean
Material: Blown translucent green glass with applied glass trail decoration
Period: Late Roman Period, circa 3rd–5th Century CE
Description
A striking Late Roman blown-glass jug dating to approximately the 3rd–5th century CE, distinguished by its rich translucent blue-green coloration, heavy applied trailing, and remarkably sculptural form.
The vessel was free-blown and formed with a tall, slightly tapering cylindrical neck rising from a compact rounded body. A broad folded and flared rim surrounds the circular mouth, while a substantial applied handle extends from the upper neck to the lower body. The handle retains a somewhat lighter green transparency, creating an attractive contrast with the darker body of the vessel.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the series of thick applied glass trails encircling the lower body. These raised bands wrap around the vessel in a pronounced coiled or serpentine arrangement, producing an unusually bold three-dimensional profile. Although visually reminiscent of intertwined snakes, they are more accurately described as applied coiled glass trails, a decorative technique employed by Roman glassmakers to add both texture and visual complexity.
The underside preserves a pronounced pontil scar, evidence of the vessel's traditional hand-blown manufacture. During production, the vessel would have been transferred to a pontil rod so that the rim, handle, and applied decoration could be completed while the glass remained workable.
Centuries of burial have produced extensive natural surface weathering, mineral accretions, and areas of attractive iridescence. The resulting silver, pale green, and blue reflections across the surface are characteristic of ancient glass that has undergone prolonged chemical interaction with the surrounding soil.
Features
- Translucent deep blue-green to emerald-green glass
- Thick applied coiled glass trails surrounding the lower body
- Large vertically applied handle attached between the neck and lower body
- Broad folded and flared rim surrounding the mouth
- Visible pontil scar on the underside
- Extensive natural mineral encrustation and burial deposits
- Strong areas of naturally developed iridescence
- Hand-blown construction with characteristic asymmetry
- Sculptural decorative profile uncommon among simpler Roman utility vessels
Cultural Significance
Glass production reached a remarkable level of sophistication throughout the Roman Empire following the widespread adoption of glassblowing during the 1st century BCE. By the later Roman period, glass vessels were manufactured in an enormous variety of functional and decorative forms for storing, serving, and pouring liquids.
Applied trails were among the techniques used by Roman glassworkers to transform otherwise utilitarian vessels into more elaborate objects. Glass threads could be applied while molten and manipulated around the body to form ribs, coils, handles, and ornamental bands. The substantial trails seen on this vessel give it an especially architectural and sculptural appearance.
The naturally iridescent surface now visible is not an original decorative coating. Rather, it developed gradually through centuries of burial as microscopic layers of the glass reacted with moisture and minerals in the surrounding environment, creating the luminous surface prized by collectors of ancient glass today.
Condition
Archaeological condition consistent with substantial age. The vessel exhibits extensive surface weathering, mineral deposits, encrustation, scratches, and areas of naturally developed iridescence. The glass retains variations in transparency ranging from deep teal-green to lighter translucent green. Wear and irregularities are consistent with ancient manufacture and prolonged burial.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.85 in
Body Diameter: 2.5 in
Age (Approximate)
1,500–1,800 years old
Provenance
Formerly held in a private collection in Massachusetts.
Subsequently handled by White’s Auctions, Middleborough, Massachusetts. Established in 1993, White’s Auctions is an independent, privately owned Massachusetts auction house specializing in antiques, fine art, decorative arts, and historical material. The firm conducts catalogued estate and collection sales and has served collectors, dealers, galleries, and consignors for more than three decades.
Learn More
Discover a comparable example of ancient Roman glass at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Explore our Collection of Roman & Greek Artifacts & Ancient Relics
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