What Is Roman Glass?

History

• Roman emperor Augustus adapted the art of glass-making from captured artists from Syria in the first century. They brought their new craft of glass-blowing into prepared molds that allowed quick reproduction of glass jars and bottles for shipping wine and oil. In less than 100 years, Roman glassware was as common as pottery.

Colors

• Roman glass combined sand with lime, soda and potash, which produced a natural light blue or pale green color. Baked in small, stone ovens that reached about 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, casting produced some striking designs. By adding more lime or potash, green and blue monochromes were deepened. Stripes and swirls of multiple colors became widespread as the glass-making techniques advanced. By the fourth century, Roman glass makers produced shades of purple, pink, aqua and emerald, and elegant striped pieces with white lacework patterns.

Techniques

• Roman glass artists took the methods of the Syrians and refined them to create new glass-making. Lathe-cutting of floral, symmetrical patterns or religious symbols decorated Roman glassware. The more elaborate pieces were used for religious ceremonies and festivals. Intricate engraving of mythical scenes and profile cameos added to a piece's beauty and expense.

Uses

• The uses of Roman glass in daily life ranged from a woman's perfume vase to a tablesetting for dinner. Fruit and flower bowls of various sizes and shapes, and goblets and wine jugs filled many households. The cheaper glass pieces replaced pottery as the main material of the middle and lower classes for use as storage jars, oil lamps and wine beakers. Even in death, glass items were buried with the deceased to add to their comfort in the afterlife.