Glass jar
Unknown Artist
3rd century CE
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
H.: 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm)
Classification
Glass
Culture & Period
Roman · Late Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Mary Anna Palmer Draper, 1915
Accession Number
15.43.228
Art Historical Context
This delicate glass jar, dating to the 3rd century CE, hails from the Late Imperial Roman period—a time when the vast empire faced internal strife yet maintained remarkable artistic continuity. Standing just 2 11/16 inches (6.8 cm) tall, this petite vessel exemplifies the everyday elegance of Roman craftsmanship, likely used for storing precious oils, perfumes, or medicinals in a household setting. Its unassuming form belies the sophistication of Roman glass production, which had evolved from earlier mold-blown techniques to freer forms by this era. Crafted entirely of glass, the jar highligh...