Hemispherical Bowl with Christian Symbols

Place of OriginAncient Rome

DateLate 4th - early 5th century CE

DimensionsH: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); Rim Diam: 6 7/8 in. (17.4 cm)

MediumMold blown glass

ClassificationGlass

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1981.94

Not on View

DescriptionGreen, medium thin glass. Numerous small spherical bubbles and a few large ovoid bubbles. Black specks. Transparent natural yellowish green (not in rock color chart). Blown into a one-part patterned mold. Distinct? Design negative on exterior, positive on interior. Surface matte from mold. No pontil mark. Ground rim, flaring from constriction ca. 1.0 cm below edge. Hemispherical body. On bottom, mold-blown design in sunken relief of a cross with equal arms within two interlocking quadrilaterals with curving sides which together give the effect of an eight-point star. These are within a circle from which radiate short tongues. Around the outside of these, at each point of the interior star, are pairs of lotus? petals.

Published ReferencesLuckner, K., "Recent Acquisitions of Ancient Glass at the Toledo Museum of Art," The Decorative Arts Society Newsletter, VIII, 2 and 3, September 1982, repr. p. 11.