Lot 5019

Description

Roman, a glass jug, (2nd - 3rd century A.D.), clear to light green opaque glass, (height 143 mm.), with globular body ornate broad vertically ribbed handle and open lip. Very fine, scarce.

During the second and third centuries A.D., the novelty of owning glass disappeared as glassware became more affordable. Therefore, a number of table and storage wares became popular and abundant, including plates, dishes, bowls, beakers, cups, bottles, jars and jugs. During the fourth century AD, the style of jars and jugs changed, taking on exceedingly long necks (although ours is somewhat moderate) and pronounced funnel rims, which can be seen in this example. Decoration on these household items was usually limited to spiralling threads or random blobs, either in the same colour as the vessel or in contrasting royal blue or turquoise blue glass (as in this example). This jug has the decorative style of "snake-thread" ware. The thread, in the same colour as the rest of the jug, spirals gracefully around the body and neck.