During this period the Roman legions were
beginning their expansion, moving with
astonishing speed to eventually make Rome the
capital of the world. With rapacious power it
consumed empires and destroyed kingdoms,
brandishing the famous Roman sword that
symbolized conquest to some and justice to
others. Amidst all this turmoil it is hard to
imagine an object so vulnerable as this lovely
amphora surviving. It is as if it were beyond the
reach of life's vagaries, existing in its own space
and time. This adorable amphora of sand-cored
glass once contained perfume or a valuable
ointment. Due to the fragility of the material and
the skill required in working with it, glass
objects were very costly. It may have stood on a
woman's dressing table. However, its size
suggests it was carried on her person, perhaps
while she went out on the town. Its rich midnight
blue and lively yellow zigzag pattern adds to the
mystery. Held in the palm of the hand it exudes
a special warmth, elegance and distinctive charm.
It is very tempting to let our imagination run free
and picture a balmy evening long ago as a
woman removes this precious vessel to sprinkle
perfume on herself, quickly, before meeting her
lover on a secret rendezvous.
- (GF.0002)
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