cage-cup
Object NameCage Cup
Made FromGlass, Copper Alloy
Dateprobably 300–399
Techniquecast or blown, wheel-cut
SizeOverall Diam (max): 12.2 cm; Cup H: 7.4 cm; Metal Collar H: 0.5, Diam: 11 cm, Th: 0.1 cm; Hook and Loop: 17 cm; Looped Elements: 18.8 cm
Accession Number87.1.1
Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Arthur Rubloff Residuary Trust
Curatorial Area(s)
Exhibitions
Reflecting Antiquity: Modern Glass Inspired by Ancient Rome
The Art of Glass: Masterpieces from The Corning Museum of Glass
Glass of the Caesars
Interpretive NotesCage cups are among the rarest examples of Roman luxury glass. They were made by creating a thick blank, which was then carefully undercut into a network of interconnected ovals. The metal “collar” on this example shows that it was suspended, either from the existing hanger or from a very similar one. Presumably, the cup served as a hanging lamp, and one can imagine the patterned shadows cast by the cut ovals on the underside of the bowl.
Roman Empire
Provenance
Provenance information not currently available online. Please check back in the coming weeks.