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468. Fragment of a Mosaic Inlay with Floral Theme

Accession Number 76.AF.70.25
Dimensions L. 2.8, W. 1.0, Th. 0.3 cm; Wt. 1.88 g
Date First century BCE–first century CE
Production Area Egypt or Italy
Material Opaque purple, red, and white and translucent light blue glass
Modeling Technique and Decoration Fusion
View in Collection

Condition

Fragment, broken all around.

Description

One side is covered with a thin (less than 1 mm) layer of purple, red, and white mixed in a wavy pattern that is not clearly defined. Possibly part of a floral motif. The matrix of the plaque is a variegated turquoise marble-like pattern composed of mixed blue and white glass.

Comments and Comparanda

For the historical and technological evolution of glass inlays in Pharaonic Egypt and the Roman Empire, see comments on cats. 449 and 460.

Provenance

By 1976, Bruce McNall, donated to the J. Paul Getty Museum, 1976

Bibliography

Unpublished

Exhibitions

None