The invention of glass casting and glass blowing revolutionised 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 different aspects of everyday life, from drinking or tableware vessels to cosmetic containers. 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 pale blue colour on this beautiful piece has been created by adding copper.
Glass bowls were one of the earliest types of Roman glass table-wear, adapted from Hellenistic techniques and produced as luxury items. These bowls featured a variety of colours and designs, with wheel-cut grooves, such as this fine piece displays, being one of many decorative features of the early Imperial Period.
To learn more about Roman glass, visit our relevant post: How It Was Made: Roman Glass
