Roman glass cut glass bottle

This is an ancient glass called Roman glass.

Roman glass began in the late 1st century when artisans from Alexandria, Egypt, moved to Italy. The techniques spread eastward and were passed on to the Sassanid Empire of Persia and early Islam.

Roman glass is quite plentiful in the antique market, and is not a rare item. Whenever I go to a purchasing place, there is always one piece on display...that's the image I have.

As I look at the many Roman glass pieces from left to right, occasionally I come across something that makes me think, "Oh! This is..." and when I come across such a piece, I try to buy it.

Judging from the straight neck that extends from the cylindrical body and the moderate thickness of the vessel walls, we believe that this piece dates to the area around Türkiye in the 8th or 9th century.

The body and neck are cut in a cut glass shape with vertical facets. The solid, cylindrical shape is well suited to the design that emphasizes the vertical lines, and the cut glass creates a refraction of light.

The pearlescent silvering is a weathering phenomenon in glass. When moisture from the soil adheres to the surface of the glass and reacts, a mica-like layer with a gold and silver shine is created.

Because they are products of chance and cannot be controlled by humans, the way they shine varies from one piece to another. Their dazzling light evokes a mysterious power that seems to take you to a faraway land or time.

The condition is very good, and it is easy to handle because it is moderately thick. Please note that the silver coating will come off if it gets wet.