Glass flask

Art Historical Context

This delicate glass flask, dating to the 2nd–3rd century CE during's Mid Imperial period, as a testament to the's mastery of glassmaking. Standing 6 7/16 inches (16.4 cm) tall with a narrow body widening to a 1 13/16-inch (4.6 cm) rim, it exemplifies the practical yet refined vessels produced in Roman workshops. Likely free-blown—a revolutionary technique perfected around the 1st century BCE flask's slender form and thin walls highlight the skill of anonymous artisans who transformed silica sand, soda, and lime into translucent luxury. In Roman culture, such flasks were everyday essentials, often holding perfumes, oils, or medicines, bridging utility and artistry. Their widespread production across the empire, from Italy to the eastern provinces like Cyprus (reflected in the Cesnola Collection), underscores glass's democratization as a material once reserved for elites. This piece, acquired for the Metropolitan Museum of Art through public subscription in 1874–76, offers visitors a glimpse into the vibrant domestic life of imperial Rome. Today, it captivates with its enduring clarity, reminding us how Roman innovation in glass not only fueled trade but also preserved scents and stories across millennia.