Thursday, October 15, 2009

A Roman Cameo Vase to Rival The Portland Uncovered


Bonhams are hailing a find of a rare Roman Cameo Vase as what "may be the most important of its kind in the world".
"These very rare vessels were highly artistic, luxury items, produced by the Roman Empire’s most skilled craftsmen. They are formed from two layers of glass – cobalt blue with a layer of white on top – which is cut down after cooling to create the cameo-style decoration.
Items of this kind were produced, it is thought, within a period of only two generations. They would have been owned by distinguished Roman families." There are only 15 known to exist.
Bonhams claim the vase it in better condition and with superior decoration to the Portland vase housed in the British Museum collection. (Portland left,Bonhams right). Read ATG article here.