{"product_id":"ancient-roman-byzantine-ribbed-glass-jug-4th-5th-century-ce","title":"Ancient Roman–Byzantine Ribbed Glass Jug | 4th–5th Century CE","description":"\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Mediterranean, Roman Empire\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ancient Blown Glass with Applied Decorative Glass Trails\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Roman–Early Byzantine Period, circa 4th–5th Century CE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\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\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of vertical ribbing, applied glass decoration, and elegantly proportioned form makes this vessel a distinctive example of ancient Roman glass artistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hand-blown pale green glass construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Elegant ovoid body with pronounced vertical ribbing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Wide, trumpet-shaped mouth with thickened rounded rim\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Applied blue-green glass trailing beneath the mouth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Decorative raised glass collar encircling the lower neck\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Single gracefully curved handle extending from shoulder to mouth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rounded, slightly flared base with ancient manufacturing characteristics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Extensive surface weathering, mineral encrustations, and blue-green patination\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Accompanied by a historical archaeological certificate dated April 20, 1969\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Original 1969 purchase documentation recording a sale price of US$350\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlass 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmall 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSurviving 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAncient 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 5 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1,500–1,700 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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\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\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\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\n\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\n","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\/products\/ancient-roman-byzantine-ribbed-glass-jug-4th-5th-century-ce","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}