About this artwork
Glass in the Roman World
Initially affordable only among the wealthy, glass was used in ancient Rome as containers for oils, perfume, and tablewares. The variety of glass-making techniques reveals the changing tastes and fashions over the centuries. During the 1st century A.D., cast glass was a novel form that was a luxury for the Roman household, but by the end of the century, the innovation of blown glass allowed for less labor-intensive and less expensive production, which meant people of lesser means could afford it. Blown glass became so popular it nearly supplanted ceramic and even bronze wares in the home.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantium
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Culture
- Ancient Roman
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Title
- Flask in the Shape of a Head
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Origin
- Syria
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Date
- 201 CE–300 CE
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Medium
- Glass, mold-blown technique
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Dimensions
- 13.7 × 8.6 × 8.5 cm (5 3/8 × 3 3/8 × 3 3/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Theodore W. and Frances S. Robinson
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Reference Number
- 1944.444
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/132098/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
