Rim Fragment of a Cameo Glass Skyphos with Pegasus

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Rim Fragment of a Cameo Glass Skyphos with Pegasus

Place of OriginItaly, probably 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 fragment includes part of the thin-walled rim and handle joint of a deep cup or skyphos. The decoration is executed in low relief, carved in opaque white glass over a translucent cobalt blue ground. The preserved design features the arched neck of a winged horse—likely Pegasus—set within a frieze of acanthus tendrils and stylized rosettes. The white overlay is extremely thin and is delicately incised, especially in the horizontal linear cuts that create the impression of feathering in the horse’s wings. No wheel-cut lines are evident; the decoration is entirely hand-cut. The interior shows strong horizontal polishing marks, and the exterior exhibits cream-colored weathering. White areas are partially worn away, and the preserved portion indicates an original vessel diameter of approximately 14 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.