Roman vessel, 1st-3rd century AD.
Glass.
From the decoration of the Hotel Cambon, Paris, France.
Conservation: intact.
Measurements: 20 cm (height).
Roman glass vessel with a globular body with decorative incisions and a long neck with a moulded mouth. It is finely and delicately decorated, reflecting the precise technique used for this type of piece. The Romans were able to adopt varied and specific forms of glass in relation to each of the functions they needed. The use of glass began to become widespread from the 1st century AD, following the discovery of the blowing technique around 40 BC, in the eastern part of the Mediterranean coast. This technique was a major revolution and spread rapidly. Blown glass offered great advantages over other materials because it did not change the taste of the food it contained and was more impermeable than terracotta. In addition, the blowing technique made it possible to produce pieces in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and also to produce them more quickly. On the other hand, glass pieces were easier to clean, so it soon became the favourite material for domestic use.