Rim Fragment of a Cameo Glass Skyphos with Pegasus

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Rim Fragment of a Cameo Glass Skyphos with Pegasus

Place of OriginLikely Rome

Date1st century CE

DimensionsL: 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); W: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)

MediumCameo glass

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1923.1541

Not on View

DescriptionThis is a thin-walled rim fragment from a Roman cameo glass vessel—likely a deep cup or skyphos—preserving part of the sima-molding edge and handle join. The relief decoration, carved in opaque white over cobalt blue, includes the arched neck of a winged horse (likely Pegasus), framed by acanthus tendrils and a frieze of rosettes. The white layer is extremely thin and delicately incised, especially in the fine linear work of the horse’s wings, where shallow, horizontal scratches suggest feathering. The carving does not include wheel-cut lines; instead, the lines are hand-cut and finely detailed. The surface shows strong horizontal polishing marks on the interior and random abrasions. The white is partially worn away, and the exterior exhibits cream-colored weathering. The preserved diameter of the original vessel is approximately 14.0 cm.

Label TextThis cameo glass fragment once formed part of a Roman deep cup or skyphos, manufactured during the Augustan period in Rome. Crafted in translucent cobalt blue overlaid with opaque white, the vessel was decorated in low relief with classical motifs. The preserved portion shows the curved neck of a winged horse—likely Pegasus—set within a frieze of acanthus tendrils and stylized rosettes. The white layer is delicately carved, with horizontal linear incisions creating the impression of feathers in the wings. Unlike many cameo works, this fragment shows no wheel-cutting; all decorative lines appear hand-cut, with remarkable finesse. Interior polishing striations and external cream-colored weathering suggest both ancient finishing techniques and long burial or exposure. The original diameter of the vessel was about 14 cm. Roman cameo glass such as this was reserved for elite households and often used for ceremonial or display purposes. Its combination of mythological imagery and intricate decoration exemplifies the cultural ambitions of early Imperial Rome.