Glass mosaic ribbed bowl fragment
Unknown Artist
late 1st century BCE–early 1st century CE
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
Other: 15/16 x 1 1/2 in. (2.4 x 3.8 cm)
Classification
Glass
Culture & Period
Roman · Early Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Accession Number
91.1.1718
Art Historical Context
This delicate fragment from a glass mosaic ribbed bowl offers a glimpse into the opulent world of Early Imperial Rome, dating to the late 1st century BCE to early 1st century CE. Craft in the Roman culture during a time of expanding trade and artistic innovation under the first emperors, this small piece—measuring just 15/16 x 1 1/2 inches (2.4 x 3.8 cm)—hints at the grandeur of complete vessels once used by the elite for dining or display. The artwork showcases the sophisticated mosaic glass technique, where colorful glass canes were fused, sliced, and arranged to create intricate patterns, ...