Object Description
An exquisite and rare Ancient Roman pale turquoise octagonal glass bottle. The vessel is of squat form, with a single applied handle extending from the top of the rim to the rounded shoulders. The top of the neck and the flat rim lean slightly to the side. The base is unusually decorated with an eight pointed star with a smaller four pointed star to the centre.
This stunning piece shows its original translucency: the metallic iridescence, which can be admired on the surface of Roman glassware, was unintentional and was caused by the weathering on the surface, which depended mainly on burial conditions of the item.
A large part of ancient glassworks was designed for tableware use, in particular for carrying and serving water and wine at banquets. Bottles, one of the most frequently used containers, existed in various dimensions and shapes.
Period: Circa 2nd-3rd century AD.