Gold Glass Bowl Base with Jewish Symbols in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, March 2010

Gold Glass Bowl Base with Jewish Symbols
Roman, probably from Rome
Made 300-350
Inscribed in Latin: Drink with blessing in preparation...

Accession # 18.145.1a,b

This rare example of Jewish gold glass depicts an open Torah ark, with rolled scrolls on its shelves, and ritual implements of the temple- including two menorot (candelabra), a shofar (ram's horn), and an etrog (citron). Originally, a banqueting scene was shown below, with a fish on the tripod table in front of a cushion.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.



Gold Glass from Rome

Glass vessels with elaborate gold foil patterns on their bases were popular in Rome. The patterns, reflecting all aspects of Roman life, were encased between two layers of glass. Carefully chipped medallions, a number of these bases were found in the catacombs, underground burial chambers, used by all religions in the late Roman and early Byzantine era. The bases may have been placed there in celebration of feasts for the dead or to mark the location of tombs. Many reflect the growing importance of Saints Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome, to Christians of the city during the fourth century.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art wall panel.


Jewish Art in the Late Roman and Early Byzantine World

Jewish communities were found throughout the Empire during the late Roman and early Byzantine centuries. Preserved synagogues and archaeological remains of the period are often decorated with beautiful paintings or elaborate floor mosaics. These decorative programs include images found in contemporary monuments, such as birds, fruit trees, and fountains, imagery drawn from the Bible and the zodiac, as well as Jewish symbols– the shofar (ram's horn), menorah (branched lamp), lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), and Torah shrine. These symbols identified Jewish patrons or monuments and appear frequently in the late Roman and early Byzantine art.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.