Roman Glass Bowl

The Roman Empire, c. 100-200AD.

Mesmerizing Roman era glass bowl. The Romans began the modernization of glass-making over 2000 years ago. The word glass (Latin vitrum) developed in the Roman Empire possibly at Trier, Germany. Ancient Roman glass can be classified as soda-lime glass. It was made from silicon, sodium and calcium oxides, with the addition of potassium, magnesium and aluminium oxides. Glassmakers would also use colorants if they wanted the glass to have a specific color. Copper was used to make turquoise to light blue, green, or red colored glass. Cobalt made glass deep dark blue. Manganese and antimony were used to make the glass yellow, white, and purple. Iron was used to make a light blue, green, brown and black color. The wide array of colors were chosen to to mimic the colors of precious gemstones, such as lapis lazuli, amethyst, and turquoise.

Absolutely gorgeous small-sized Roman glass bowl. The bowl sits on a wide ring base, the body flares up to a rolled lip, and the rim extends into a deep interior cavity. Professionally repaired. Good condition. Gorgeous patina and age-related wear occur. The surface of the exterior and interior is calcified and encrusted with minerals over the years. Bowl has a stunning colour that varying from pale green to light seafoam green. Beautiful rainbow iridescence throughout. Size approx. 4,3cm x 11,2cm x 10,9cm. 

Provenance: From the collection of painter and tv producer Ole Braunstein (1917–1999). Donee of the Høyen Prize in 1984.