{"product_id":"a-late-roman-green-glass-honeycomb-beaker","title":"Late Roman Engraved Green Glass Beaker","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEastern Mediterranean \/ Middle East, circa 4th century AD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare \u003cstrong\u003eLate Roman engraved glass beaker\u003c\/strong\u003e, probably from the Eastern Mediterranean or Middle East, dating to circa the 4th century AD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf slightly tapering cylindrical form, the vessel is blown in translucent green glass, with a thick rounded rim and a pronounced circular foot. The body is particularly distinguished by its extensive geometric decoration, arranged in horizontal registers of adjoining \u003cstrong\u003ehexagonal or honeycomb-shaped compartments\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decoration appears to have been \u003cstrong\u003ewheel-cut or engraved into the surface of the blown vessel\u003c\/strong\u003e, rather than formed in a mould. Each geometric cell is delineated by fine incised lines, while many contain a small engraved circle or ring at their centre. The combination creates a remarkably sophisticated repeating pattern extending around almost the entire body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeometric cutting and engraving formed an important part of the glassworker's decorative repertoire during the later Roman period. By the 3rd and 4th centuries, workshops across the eastern provinces of the Empire were producing increasingly elaborate vessels decorated with wheel-cut lines, facets, circles and repeating geometric designs. The honeycomb arrangement seen here gives an unusually architectural quality to the decoration, transforming an otherwise simple drinking vessel into an object of considerable visual complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe green glass has developed extensive \u003cstrong\u003eancient weathering, mineral incrustation and areas of iridescence\u003c\/strong\u003e, producing the varied green, brown and silvery surface now visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beaker survives in a \u003cstrong\u003efragmentary and restored condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, with several losses to the walls, but retains much of its original engraved decoration, together with the rim and foot. Despite these losses, the strength of the geometric design and substantial character of the glass remain readily apparent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 4th century AD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Roman\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Mediterranean \/ Middle East\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Translucent green glass\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnique:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free-blown glass; wheel-cut \/ engraved decoration\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Repeating honeycomb pattern of engraved geometric cells with circular motifs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drinking beaker \/ table vessel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fragmentary and restored, with losses; extensive ancient surface weathering, mineral incrustation and iridescence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54835262980433,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/beaker.png?v=1788964132","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/products\/a-late-roman-green-glass-honeycomb-beaker","provider":"nwtiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}