● On view now — Gallery 154
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
Initially affordable only among the wealthy, glass was used in ancient Rome as containers for oils, perfume, and tablewares. The variety of glass-making techniques reveals the changing tastes and fashions over the centuries. During the 1st century A.D., cast glass was a novel form that was a luxury for the Roman household, but by the end of the century, the innovation of blown glass allowed for less labor-intensive and less expensive production of glass wares like this bottle, which meant people of lesser means could afford them. Blown glass became so popular it nearly supplanted ceramic and even bronze wares in the home.
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China — Vase with Loop Handles
China — Bottle-Shaped Vase with a Lizard
China — Bottle-Shaped Vase with Lizard
China — Bottle-Shaped Vase with Encircling Ribs
China — Vessel in the Form of an Ancient Bronze Jar (Hu)
Ancient Mediterranean — Bottle
Ancient Egyptian — Alabastron (Container for Scented Oil)
China — Pear-Shaped Vase with Dragon-Head Ring Handles
China — Ewer with Handle in the Form of an Arched Lion
Vietnam
near Hoi An (offshore) — Miniature Pear-Shaped (Yuh
China — Ovoid Bottle
China — Gourd-Shaped Vase with Encircling and Twisted Rope