Truncated Conical Beaker with Knot-shaped Knobs
Truncated Conical Beaker with Knot-shaped Knobs
Place of OriginRoman Empire, probably Eastern Mediterranean
DateMid- to second half of first century
DimensionsH: 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm); Rim Diam: 3 11/16 in. (9.4 cm); Max Diam: 4 1/8 in. (10.4 cm); Rim Thickness: 1/16 in. (0.22 cm); Base Diam: 2 1/16 in. (5.3 cm)
MediumGlass; mold blown in a three-part mold.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1923.490
Not on View
DescriptionThis large beaker is made of transparent to translucent dusky yellow glass (near 5 Y 6/4) with medium thin walls. The vessel was blown into a four-part mold with three vertical sections and a disk-shaped base section (MCT III), producing crisp relief decoration. The rim is slightly ground and flares gently with a subtle bulge below. The truncated conical body tapers toward a flat base with two raised concentric rings and a central boss. A faint wheel-cut line circles the exterior approximately 0.9 cm below the rim.
Six alternating rows of eight knot-shaped knobs in three-tiered relief encircle the body, diminishing in size toward the base. A horizontal ridge above the base marks the transition, although it is not a mold seam—vertical seams continue uninterrupted to the base. Small bubbles are visible throughout the vessel.
Published ReferencesGrose, David F., "Ancient Glass," Toledo Museum of Art Museum News 20 (1978) p. 78, fig. 15.
Grose, David F., "Innovation and change in ancient technologies: The anomalous case of the Roman glass industry," in High-technology Ceramics, Westerville, OH, 1986, p. 77, fig. 17, p. 78.
Stern, E. Marianne, Roman Mold-Blown Glass: The First Through Sixth Centuries, Rome, Italy, "L'Erma" di Bretschneider in association with the Toledo Museum of Art, 1995, cat. no. 8, pp. 103-107, color pl. 3, p. 51.
Exhibition HistoryTampa Museum of Art; Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Clearly Inspired: Contemporary Glass and Its Origins, 1999, p. 17, 124, repr. (col.) p. 17 and 100.Mid- to second half of first century
Mid- to second half of first century
Second half of the first century CE
Perhaps second quarter of first century
Probably second quarter of first century
Probably mid- to second half of first century
Probably second quarter of first century
Probably second quarter of the first century
Second quarter to mid-first century CE
Probably second quarter of first century
Probably first half of first century
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