Glass bowl
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century CE
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
H. 1 in. (2.5 cm) diameter 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)
Classification
Glass
Culture & Period
Roman · Late Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Henry G. Marquand, 1881
Accession Number
81.10.46
Art Historical Context
This exquisite glass bowl, crafted by an unknown Roman artisan in the Late Imperial period (3rd–4th century CE), offers a glimpse into the refined domestic life of ancient Rome. Measuring just 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height and 4½ inches (11.4 cm) in diameter, shallow, open form suggests it served practical purposes—perhaps holding cosmetics, spices, or small offerings at a banquet. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1881 by Henry G. Marquand, it resides in the Greek and Roman Art department, testament to 19th-century passion for classical antiquities. Roman glassmaking reached remarkable h...