Not currently on view
In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of 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, which meant people of lesser means could afford it. Blown glass became so popular it nearly supplanted ceramic and even bronze wares in the home.
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Byzantine — Pitcher
Byzantine — Pilgrimage Jug with Christian Symbols
Byzantine — Jug
Artist unknown — Bottle
Bohemia, Czech Republic — Bottle
Granite Glass Works — Flask
China — Spouted Ewer
Byzantine — Double-Handled Bottle
Byzantine — Jug
China — Bottle-Shaped Vase
Ancient Greek — Lekythos (Oil Jar)
Germany, Cologne — Bottle