Handmade replica of a Roman glass carafe / jug from the 3rd century AD, inspired by the forms of glass vessels used during the height of the Roman Empire. The elegant bulbous body flows into a slender neck with a distinctly shaped rim and is complemented by a tall glass handle.
A characteristic feature of the vessel is its spiral-twisted decoration, which accentuates its shape and demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship achieved by historical glassmakers.
- Height: approx. 24 cm
- Capacity: approx. 700 ml
- Material: so-called forest glass
- Historical model: Roman Empire, 3rd century AD
- Technique: traditional handmade glass production
- Made in a Czech family-run glassworks
- Each piece is unique
Roman glass and its development
The Romans brought glassmaking to an exceptionally high level. The widespread adoption of glassblowing was particularly important, as it allowed vessels to be produced more quickly, with thinner walls and in a much wider variety of shapes than before. During the Roman Imperial period, glass vessels therefore became an increasingly common part of everyday life.
Alongside simple utilitarian vessels, glassmakers also produced more elaborate jugs, carafes, drinking vessels, bottles and flasks. Glassmakers shaped the vessels during the blowing process and also employed applied handles, glass trails, relief decoration and optical or spiral patterns.
Glass jugs in the Roman household
Glass jugs and carafes could be used for storing and serving wine, water and other liquids. Similar vessels are known from various parts of the former Roman Empire, and their forms varied according to period, region and local glassmaking traditions.
By the 3rd century AD, an extensive network of glass workshops and regional production centres already existed. Roman glassmaking was far from uniform – simple vessels for everyday use existed alongside technically and aesthetically sophisticated pieces intended for wealthier customers.
Handmade in a Czech glassworks
This replica is not produced by industrial pressing or casting in a mould. Each jug is individually handmade by a glassmaker in a Czech family-run glassworks. Working with molten glass naturally produces slight variations in proportions, wall thickness, colour and the appearance of the spiral decoration.
These subtle irregularities are a natural characteristic of handmade glass and ensure that no two pieces are completely identical.
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