The invention of glass casting and glass blowing revolutionized completely the production of glass in the ancient world, and thus became one of the principal and major industries in the Roman Empire. Roman glass became extremely popular and was used in many and different aspects of everyday life: some were used as drinking or tableware vessels, while others became perfume bottles. Miniature vessels would be used as charms, or even worn as pendants. Roman glass can be admired in a wide range of shapes and colours. Each different colour was created adding specific metal to the silica and soda compost. The amber colour on this beautiful piece has been created by adding iron-sulphur, and was typical of bowls found in Italy and the western provinces of the Roman Empire.
To learn more about Roman glass, visit our relevant post: How It Was Made: Roman Glass.
