Jug c. 101 - 400

This small, ancient jug of unknown origin is made of delicate glass, its surface shimmering with an iridescent patina. Such vessels speak volumes about the society that produced them. Glassblowing, a sophisticated technology, allowed for the creation of elegant tableware and perfume bottles. The presence of this jug in a home, likely in a Roman context, would have signaled a degree of affluence and access to luxury goods. The jug is a silent witness to the everyday rituals of life: from pouring libations to the gods, to sharing wine at a symposium. The history of institutions that shaped artistic production in ancient Rome, from workshops to trade networks, is essential to our understanding of it. Analyzing archaeological records, inscriptions, and literary sources allows us to reconstruct a vibrant picture of the jug's place in society.