Art Institute of Chicago

Dish

Hellenistic or early Roman; eastern Mediterranean

Date

Mid 2nd-early 1st century BCE

Medium

Glass, mosaic

Culture

Eastern Mediterranean Region

Department

Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This luminous bowl was made using the laborious and time-consuming composition-cast mosaic glass technique. The particular combination of colors and patterns suggests that this lovely dish was created in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region that grew wealthy from trade with Asian cultures. The town homes and country houses of the local elite boasted beautifully frescoed walls, colorful mosaic floors, and lush, private gardens embellished with decorative sculptures for the sumptuous alfresco banquets that were a favorite evening pastime. This delicate mosaic glass dish was likely made to adorn a splendidly set dinner table alongside other exquisitely wrought platters, bowls, and goblets.

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