Glass bowl
Unknown Artist
4th century CE
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
H.: 2 3/8 in. (6 cm) Diam.: 8 1/4 in. (21 cm)
Classification
Glass
Culture & Period
Roman · Late Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Isaac D. Fletcher, 1917
Accession Number
17.120.242
Art Historical Context
This delicate glass bowl from the 4th century CE exemplifies refined craftsmanship of Late Imperial Rome. Standing just 2⅜ inches (6 cm) tall with an impressive 8¼-inch (21 cm) diameter, its shallow, wide form suggests it was designed for practical yet elegant use—perhaps holding fruits, confections, or oils in a wealthy household. Crafted during a time when the Roman Empire spanned vast territories, such vessels highlight the era's advanced glassmaking, a staple of Mediterranean trade and daily luxury. Roman glass production reached its zenith in the Late Imperial period, thanks to innovatio...