No. 93845629

Ancient Roman Glass Bracelet. 6,5 cm D. Very nice.
No. 93845629

Ancient Roman Glass Bracelet. 6,5 cm D. Very nice.
Naturalistic Scarab
- very fine -
Roman Empire, possibly from Egypt, 1st - 3rd century AD
Glass and glass paste
6,5 cm diameter
Condition: Good state, see photos.
Provenance: Ex. Private collection, R. P. (1928 - 2013), Barcleona, formed bettween 1950 - 1990. [old inventory number 5882] Thence by descent.
Roman glass bracelets are distinctive objects that reflect the technical skill and aesthetic taste of this civilization. They combined functionality and ornamentation, serving as decorative accessories and, in some cases, as symbols of social status or protective elements.
These bracelets were made from colored glass, an innovation widely developed by the Romans thanks to their advances in glass technology. Among the most common techniques were:
Shaping and rolling: Hot glass was molded around a core or rod to give it a circular shape.
Blowing: Although less common in bracelets, this technique made it possible to produce lighter pieces.
Decoration: Often, bracelets included patterns of contrasting colored glass threads, metallic inlay or embossed designs.
The colors of glass ranged from opaque to transparent tones, with vivid colors such as blue, green, yellow and amber, achieved through the use of metallic oxides. Blue, for example, evoked associations with the sky and water, while green could be related to fertility and nature.
Decorative Accessories: Worn by men, women and children, glass bracelets were popular among different social classes, although the most elaborate ones were reserved for the elites.
Protective Amulets: Some bracelets, especially those decorated with specific symbols, could have a magical or protective meaning, linked to superstition or religion.
Trade and Diffusion: These pieces were part of the Roman trade and were widely distributed throughout the Empire, from the Mediterranean to the farthest provinces, showing the influence of Roman culture.
Roman-era glass bracelets stand out not only for their beauty and diversity, but also for being a tangible example of how art and technology could be combined in everyday objects that transcended their time, influencing the jewelry and techniques of later eras.
Note:
- According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes and will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
- Up to 6,000 euros: 5%.
- From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
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