Roman Glass Inkwell with Ribs and Bosses

Culture: Roman

Period: 2nd half of 1st century A.D.

Material: Glass

Dimensions: 6.3 cm in diameter; 4.3 cm high

Price: 4 800 Euro

Ref: 3579

Provenance: French private collection Michel Peytel (1919-1973), who kept his collection in his city palais ("Hôtel particulier") at Place Vendôme in Paris.

Condition: Intact

Description: Very appealing flask of yellowish clear glass, blown into form, which probably once served as an ink bottle. The flask stands on an inwardly curved base, from which eight sculptural ribs reach the centre of the body. Ten round bosses protrude from the shoulder in a star shape. Each boss is framed by a three dimensional circle. The neck is short, the rim far protruding. The flask radiates with wonderfully silver shimmering iridescence. A very rare form.