Roman Deity Beaker
Manufacturer
Unknown
CultureRoman
Date2nd century A.D.
MediumMold blown glass
DimensionsOverall: 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)
Overall, Rim: 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
Base: 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm)
Overall, Rim: 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
Base: 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm)
InscribedLabel from dealer reads: "29639/4000.-/Roman 2nd Century A.D.".
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.6780
Not on view
Label TextRoman Empire, probably Eastern Mediterranean
Beaker with Mythological Figures, late 1st-early 2nd century A.D.
Mold-blown glass
Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.6780
Shortly after the advent of the blowpipe, glassworkers began using multi-part molds to make glass vessels. Mold-blowing glass was advantageous because the form and decoration of the object could be achieved very quickly with less skilled labor. It also meant that sizes and capacities of glass vessels could be standardized for commercial use. Mold-blown vessels were made in imitation of gold and silver objects, which were far more expensive.
Published ReferencesJane Hayward, "Roman Mold-Blown Glass at Yale University," CORNING JOURNAL OF GLASS STUDIES, IV, 1962, pg. 55-57, fig. 11-14.
Gladys Davidson Weinberg, "Mold-Blown Beakers with Mythological Scenes," CORNING JOURNAL OF GLASS STUDIES, VOL. XIV, 1972, pg. 40 (27-47).
Karol B. Wight, "Mythological Beakers: A Re-Examination," _Journal of Glass Studies_ 36 (1994): 38, 40-41.
