Roman glass with facet cut
Traditional glass production in Rome
The main component of ancient Roman glass is quartz sand. Roman soda glass is made from a molten mass of soda, calcium oxide, potash, magnesium and aluminum oxide. The typical pale blue-green coloration of Roman glass art is due to the sand being contaminated with iron oxide.
Roman glass and glass art have a shiny, bright surface when new. Roman glass was given an iridescent and matt surface by weathering processes between production and the date of discovery of the ancient glass art. Authentic replicas and glass replicas therefore have a fire-polished, shiny, bright surface identical to the time of manufacture of the original Roman glass.
- Height of the glass approx. 19cm
- Diameter top approx. 10cm
- Solid base ring
- Volume: approx. 500ml
- Place of discovery: Cologne
- Date: 1st - 2nd century AD
Colored glass and colorless glass
Selected metal oxides were added to the raw glass mass. Roman soda glass was given a wide variety of colors. The joy of experimentation of the glass artists of the time was awakened and drove Roman glass art to full bloom.
- Opaque white due to antimony
- Opaque yellow due to antimony and lead
- Dark blue due to cobalt
- Green-blue and opaque red from copper and hematin
- Pink and violet due to manganese
- Yellow and brown due to manganese with iron oxide (contained in contaminated sand)
Early Roman glass art was characterized by strong colors in the glass produced. At the end of the first century AD, the taste of the Roman customer changed. Now the colorless Roman glass dominated in production. Blue-green glass continued to be used for everyday glass objects. Colorless glass was produced and decorated for special occasions.
Through experimentation, glass artists discovered that manganese in minute quantities discolored the blue-green impurities of iron oxide. The highest art of glassmaking was born, colorless glass.
Engraved and cut glass in the Roman Empire
Engravings and cut decorations were preferably reserved for colorless, precious glass. Roman glassblowers and glassmakers invented all the important glass decoration techniques still known today.
The Roman glassmakers passed their blanks on to glass cutters for processing. A distinction is made between free-blown and mold-blown Roman glass art. Decorative elements in the glass by cutting and grinding considerably increased the value of the colorless glass. Personalized inscriptions and commissioned decorative cuts in glass objects turned colourless Roman glass into magnificent, individual pieces.
The three most important decorative and cutting techniques
Incised or rubbed band decoration:
Several parallel, extremely fine lines on the glass. The glass rotates on a lathe. Sharp edges of different materials create thin superficial, sometimes gray or even deeper lines in the glass. Cutting materials are flint, obsidian or glass.
Intaglio cut:
A rotating stone wheel grinds facets and lines into the surface of the vessel. The vessel is pressed against the fast-moving stone wheel. The resulting circumferential lines and facets create unique geometric decorations, patterns and geometric figures.
Engraving by means of set diamonds or hard stone:
The surfaces of Roman glass are decorated with scenes from the Roman state cult or with inscriptions. This technique requires precise work at all stages. The individual engraving is scratched into the glass.
Roman glass beaker with facet cut
An important manufactory of Roman glass production was located in Cologne and the Cologne area. The original, antique beveled glass beaker was found in Cologne. This lifelike replica of a magnificent beveled glass beaker is an adornment for any Roman tavern. This authentic replica of a magnificent beveled glass goblet is a highlight on any festively decorated table or antique Roman buffet.
Both the finest wines and the most exquisite, tasteful, natural water can be served in this rare Roman glass. Enjoy the touch of the ancient Roman world alone or as a couple at a candlelight dinner.
An aesthetic gem of Roman glass art. With a magnificent decoration of diamond-shaped facets, the random, fine bubbles and the light streaks in the glass. With a capacity of around 0.3 liters, this Roman glass can be used universally for both unusual and everyday drinks.
Literature reference: Roman glass art and wall painting, Phillip von Zabern, page 12
Comparable beakers: Rottweil: Glass beaker with cut facet decoration.
Small variations in the shape and color of two glasses of the same shape are not a quality defect. A few different air bubbles are randomly distributed in the glass. This individuality characterizes a traditional, authentic production of good replicas of Roman glass.
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