Description
An extraordinary Roman glass bottle of exceptionally tall and elegant proportions, standing an impressive 64 cm high. Distinguished by its remarkably elongated neck, compact apple-shaped body and delicately flared rim, the vessel possesses a striking sculptural presence and represents an exceptional achievement of ancient Roman glassmaking.
Formed from translucent pale green glass, the bottle has a small, rounded body from which rises an extraordinarily long and slender tubular neck. The neck extends almost uninterrupted for the greater part of the vessel’s height before terminating in a subtly everted, flaring mouth. The dramatic contrast between the compact globular body and the attenuated neck creates an exceptionally refined and graceful silhouette.
At 64 cm in height, the vessel is remarkable for its extreme proportions. Producing a glass bottle of such extraordinary length required considerable technical skill and precise control of the molten material. The glassworker had to draw and manipulate the neck to an exceptional height while maintaining its alignment, thin walls and structural integrity.
Equally remarkable is the vessel’s survival. The extremely long and narrow neck is inherently fragile and particularly susceptible to breakage, making the preservation of a bottle of these proportions especially noteworthy. Its combination of exceptional height, delicate construction and remarkable completeness distinguishes it from the more commonly encountered Roman glass vessels of smaller dimensions.
Despite its imposing height, the bottle weighs only 205 grams, further demonstrating the remarkable thinness and delicacy of its construction. The translucent green glass retains attractive ancient surface weathering and subtle areas of patination characteristic of archaeological glass, enhancing rather than obscuring the elegant simplicity of the form.
The vessel’s restrained design, extraordinary proportions and technical sophistication exemplify the mastery achieved by Roman glassworkers, who transformed a functional material into objects of remarkable refinement and beauty.
An exceptionally rare and visually commanding example of Roman glass, distinguished by its extraordinary 64 cm height, remarkably elongated neck, delicate construction and elegant sculptural form.
REFERENCE #
GL-RM-1190
CIVILIZATION
Roman Imperial Period, circa A.D. 1–300
SIZE
H. 64 cm, W. 10 cm
CONDITION
Remarkably well preserved considering the vessel’s exceptional height, extremely slender construction and inherent fragility. Ancient surface weathering and patination consistent with age.
PRICE
$9,000
PROVENANCE
Baidun private collection
