Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. So striking, this cast and blown mosaic vessel comprised of canes of amber, gold, aubergine, white, and blue glass presents a flattened spherical body with a dimpled, concave bottom, a tall cylindrical neck, and splayed lip with a tiny opening for sprinkling precious substances. Note how the mosaic canes were artfully marvered into the surface to create elegant ribbon-like patterns throughout. Then the artisan inflated the form, thus amplifying this effect to add to the drama of the decorative program. Much like gold-band glass, such vessels created by using various canes of glass are called "color-band" or "marbled glass." A stunning and most unusual ancient Roman sprinkler flask or perfume bottle! Size: 3.25" W at widest x 6.5" H (8.3 cm x 16.5 cm)

Provenance: private New York, USA collection

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#134578

Body shows signs of repair. Surface shows areas of encrustation and marvelous rainbow iridescence.