While ceramic vessels were ubiquitous in antiquity, precious materials were reserved for special uses in elite dining rooms or religious settings. Silver was especially prized for plates, since the metal was easy to work and remained sturdy when used. The technological complexity of glass vessels meant they were especially valuable possessions in an ancient home. These objects were not made for ordinary daily use, but rather were luxury goods produced by expert craftsmen.
Exhibit Items
Roman, 1st century; faience; 14.5 × 4.4 cm (5 11/16 × 1 3/4 in.). BZ.1936.64
Roman, uncertain date; cameo glass; 5 × 6.5 cm (1 15/16 × 2 9/16 in.). BZ.1946.9
Roman, uncertain date; glass; 5.4 × 5.2 cm (2 1/8 × 2 1/16 in.). BZ.1957.6
Late Hellenistic or Roman, 1st century BCE; silver; 10 × 16.5 cm (3 15/16 × 6 1/2 in.). BZ.1940.3
Early Byzantine, late 5th–6th century; silver; 25.1 × 25.1 cm (9 7/8 × 9 7/8 in.). BZ.1949.7