Artwork Page for Millefiori Bowl

Details / Information for Millefiori Bowl

Millefiori Bowl

1–100 CE

Italy, Roman

Medium
glass
Measurements
Overall: 3.8 x 8.8 cm (1 1/2 x 3 7/16 in.); Diameter of foot: 4 cm (1 9/16 in.)
Weight: 57.69 grams
Credit Line
General Income Fund 1919.10
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Millefiori, Italian for “thousand flowers,” describes the ancient glass-making technique later revived by Venetian artisans.

Description

Mosaic glass, also called millefiori, was cast in a two-part mold. Fused glass rods of different colors were bundled together into patterns, then sliced into disk-shaped cross sections. These were placed within the mold and heated until fused. After cooling, the vessel’s surface was fire- or wheel-polished.
A weathered glass bowl rises from a small, iridescent foot into a wide, flared rim. Its dark matrix is densely embedded with concentric, eye-like patterns of crimson, emerald, amber, and bone. A twisted, rope-like coil rings the upper edge. The pitted exterior shows patches of shimmering blue-green decay, while the repetitive circular motifs create a vibrant, organic texture that pulses across the vessel's expanding form.

Millefiori Bowl

1–100 CE

Italy, Roman

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork