Vase c. 101 - 500

This vase was made in the Graeco-Roman world from glass, a relatively new technology at the time. Glassblowing was a closely guarded secret controlled by the Roman Empire, which tightly regulated its production and distribution. This vase, although seemingly humble, speaks to the social structures of its time. Its very existence reflects the vast trade networks that stretched across the Roman Empire. The materials to make it, and the skills to produce it, would have been concentrated in particular centers. The slightly iridescent surface suggests age, and the conditions in which it was buried, reminding us of the passage of time and the changing fortunes of civilizations. To truly understand this vase, we must consider the broader history of glassmaking, trade, and social customs in the Graeco-Roman world. We should ask what it tells us about the daily lives of people then, and about their relationship to luxury goods. Art history is not just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the complex interplay of art, society, and power.