Mosaic Glass (Millefiori) Patella Bowl
| Culture | Roman |
|---|---|
| Title | Mosaic Glass (Millefiori) Patella Bowl |
| Date | 100 BCE–100 CE |
| Medium | Glass |
| Dimensions | Overall: 1 5/8 x 3 5/8 in. (4.1 x 9.2 cm) |
| Credit Line | Burton Y. Berry Collection, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University |
| Accession Number | 76.35.71 |
| This artwork is currently on view. | |
A small flaring bowl has a slightly raised foot. An overall pattern of decorative circles cover the interior and exterior of the bowl. Each circle contains a red dot with yellow center that is surrounded by white dots that are in turn enclosed by a white circular border; the background is black.
This bowl is made with a technique known in modern times as millefiori (literally “thousand flowers”). In ancient times, however, these popular bowls were identified as “mosaic” glass, because, like large mosaic floors and wall panels, they were created out of a combination of many small pieces. Different color variations were explored in these bowls, celebrating the vibrant hues that are possible with the glass medium. Bowls like this would probably have been used to hold and mix cosmetics, perfumes, and scented oils.
Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.
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"Mosaic Glass (Millefiori) Patella Bowl | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=76.35.71