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Inverted Conical Beaker on Base Ring

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Inverted Conical Beaker on Base Ring

Place of OriginAncient Rome, Western Mediterranean, probably Italy
DateProbably mid-1st century, about 40-70
DimensionsH: 3 15/16 in. (10.05 cm); Rim Diam: 2 7/16 in. (6.1 cm); Base Diam: 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
MediumGlass; free blown and cut
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.1073
Not on View
DescriptionThis inverted conical beaker was made from good-quality, medium-thick glass with no impurities and a few very small vertically elongated bubbles near the rim. The glass is transparent and colorless with a slight yellowish gray tinge (5 Y 7/2). It was formed by blowing a hollow beaker-shaped blank, then cutting the decoration in medium-high relief to imitate rock crystal. The undecorated zone below the rim is ground down slightly lower than the decorated band, which aligns flush with the plain area above the base. The rim is ground and the sides taper downward in a gentle convex curve. The circular base has a projecting flat knob at its center and a splayed base ring with flaring sides and a wheel-cut edge. Below the rim, two wheel-cut grooves encircle the vessel. On the body, a row of seven pelta-shaped ornaments open at the top appears above and between a row of elongated ovals. This vessel belongs to Isings 1957, Form 21.
Published ReferencesGrose, David, "Ancient Glass," Toledo Museum of Art Museum News, vol. 20, no. 3, 1978, p. 84-85, fig. 22.

Saldern, Axel von, "Römische Hochschliffgläser," Jahrbüch Des Museums Für Kunst Und Gewerbe Hamburg, Bd. 4, 1985, p. 30, 31, Abb. 5.

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