Amphora

About this artwork

Most of the glass vessels in this case date from the first century BC to the fourth century AD. Early glass vessels were made in the Middle East and Egypt using the core-forming technique, in which molten glass was poured over a clay core and decorated with threads of colored glass. During the first century AD, Rome became the center of glassmaking, and the invention of blown glass led to new methods, including free-blown glass, which could be decorated by pinching, rolling, or dragging the surf...

Art Historical Context

This elegant Roman glass amphora part of the Smithsonian American Art's collection, exemplifies the of ancient glassmaking from the first century BC to the fourth AD. Gifted by John Gellatly, it hails from a time when Rome emerged as the epicenter of the craft, transforming everyday vessels into objects of beauty and utility. Amphorae like this were essential for storing wine, oil, or other goods, but their glass counterparts showcased technical innovation and aesthetic flair. Early Roman glass began with the core-forming technique—molten glass draped over a clay core and adorned with colorfu...