CIRCA 1ST HALF OF THE 1ST CENTURY A.D.

The "splash" technique was achieved by attaching colored chips to the vessel, then reheating and marvering the surface. The vessel was then further inflated. It has been suggested that such "splashed" vessels may have been intended to imitate the highly sought-after mosaic glass of the 1st Century B.C. This technique was short-lived - according to D. Whitehouse in Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, 1997, p. 207, "a cautious interpretation of the available evidence suggests a starting date in the early first century, a peak of production around 50, and a terminal date around 70". The present lot is an incredibly exciting snapshot of the creativity and flair of the Julio-Claudian master glassmaker.