Artifacts

The inspiration for this range began with chance visit to a Roman Coliseum while sailing around the Mediterranean Sea near Croatia. The Amphitheater, popularly called the Arena of Pula, which was once the site of gladiator fights. It was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time as the magnificent Colosseum in Rome.

Below the amphitheater are underground passages, once used by the gladiators. Here there was an exhibition filled with examples of ancient Roman glass blowing; probably some of the first glass to have ever been blown. Little has changed in the way glass is made since Roman times. The Romans adopted glass making from the north africa the middle east and developed the working methods which have remained unchanged to the present day. The glass blowing revolutionised ancient glass production, putting it on a par with the other major industries, such as pottery and metal wares. For further reading click here for

Glass was used for many purposes, and while it was probably always quite expensive, there is evidence throughout the empire for a massive increase in the use of glass vessels in everyday life after the invention of glass blowing. Glass was used at the table for serving vessels and for drinking cups. Bottles and flasks were used for transporting all sorts of liquids, - wine, oil and water and many different foods. Some of the finest glass vessels were made for burials, where they were placed intact, containing food, drink or perfumes for the deceased, with no intention of recovery. Glass was also used for windows; to make tesserae for the most elaborate floor and wall mosaics, for stirring rods, used with cosmetics and unguents, and for gaming counters.

Why not commission a complete set of Roman table ware for that unforgettable dinner party.

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above Long neck vase 220 mm - 280 mm £35-£80 Please Select burnt sienna large £80 burnt sienna medium £35	above flat vase 180mm - 280mm £35-£80 Please Select burnt sienna medium £35 burnt sienna medium £35	above Large flat vase 280 mm £35-£80 Please Select burnt sienna £35 burnt sienna £80	above Flared neck bottle 130mm £25 Please Select burnt sienna £25 Amazonite £25