Glass Bowl in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, November 2010

Glass bowl with inscription

Period: Late Imperial

Date: 3rd–4th century A.D.

Culture: Roman

Medium: Glass; blown and cut

Dimensions: H.: 2 1/2 x 7 13/16 in. (6.4 x 19.8 cm)

Classification: Glass

Credit Line: Bequest of Isaac D. Fletcher, 1917

Accession Number: 17.120.249

Description:

Translucent purple glass.
Slightly in-turned rim with a sharp, knocked-off edge; body somewhat less than hemispherical in shape; a single, small handle was attached to the side.
On exterior, decoration of wheel-cut lines comprising two elements: (a) a series of diagonal lines running around the side of the bowl, with a matching pattern of lines roughly centred on the base, forming a cross; and (b) an inscription in double-line letters running around the bowl between the two elements of linear decoration, starting to the right of the handle; the beginning and end of the inscription marked by a series of diagonal lines. The inscription reads in Greek ΠIE ZHCAIC, meaning "Drink so that you may live."
Broken into three fragments and repaired, with parts of the rim and most of the handle missing; severe weathering and brilliant iridescence.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/249174