Fragment of a tablet for inlay
200 BCE-100 CE
Classification
Jewelry and Ornament
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1909.613
Tags
About this artwork
Fragment of a tablet for inlay. Columnar rod mosaic. Inlay of buff-white in an opaque dark green matrix.
Art Historical Context
This delicate fragment of a tablet for inlay, dating from 200 BCE to 100 CE, showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Syrian glassmakers during the Ptolemaic Dynasty and early Roman Period. Crafted a columnar rod mosaic, it features a buff-white inlay set within an opaque dark green matrix, a technique where slender glass rods of different colors were fused, sliced, and arranged to create intricate patterns. Such mosaic glass was prized for its jewel-like vibrancy, often used to adorn jewelry, ornaments, and luxury items, reflecting the region's advanced artistry in transforming humble...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...