Ancient Roman Turquoise-Blue Glass Dish, circa 2nd–4th Century AD

Roman Empire, circa 2nd–4th century AD

17cm Diameter

A striking Roman glass dish of shallow circular form, blown in translucent turquoise-blue glass, its colour enhanced by extensive ancient weathering and mineralisation.

The vessel is simply and elegantly formed, with a broad shallow well rising gently towards a plain rounded rim. The underside has a subtly concave centre surrounded by a broad rounded outer edge, giving the dish a pleasingly substantial profile while retaining the characteristic lightness of Roman blown glass.

Particularly attractive is the blue-green or turquoise colour of the glass. Blue glass was deliberately produced in the Roman world through the addition of metallic colourants, especially copper and cobalt compounds, and ranged from pale aquamarine to much deeper blues. The strong turquoise tone of this dish gives it an unusually decorative presence.

Both surfaces retain extensive ancient burial deposits and weathering. Areas of brown and copper-coloured incrustation contrast dramatically with patches of blue, turquoise and pale green iridescence. The interior displays particularly pronounced laminar weathering, where alteration of the glass surface over many centuries has produced thin, overlapping layers of blue and green.

The simplicity of the form suggests a vessel intended for the Roman table, perhaps as a small serving dish, condiment dish or shallow bowl. Such relatively restrained forms demonstrate the Roman glassmaker's ability to produce elegant everyday vessels whose appeal depended upon proportion, transparency and colour rather than elaborate applied decoration.

The dish survives substantially intact and is particularly appealing for its turquoise colour and exceptionally rich archaeological surface.

Date: Circa 2nd–4th century AD
Culture: Roman
Material: Translucent turquoise-blue glass
Technique: Blown glass
Form: Shallow circular dish with rounded rim
Function: Tableware / serving dish
Condition: Substantially intact; extensive ancient weathering, mineral incrustation and areas of blue-green iridescence and lamination.