Footed Cup

Culture: Roman, 753 BCE–395 CE
Period: Early Imperial period, 27 BCE–330 CE
Date: 1st century BCE–1st century CE
Material: Lead-glazed ceramic
associated with: Asia
associated with: Europe
Classification: Ceramics
Collection: Ancient Art
Current Location: On View, Gallery 208
Dimensions: 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (13.3 x 13.3 cm)
base diameter: 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 387:1923

NOTES

The distinct colors—deep green and mustard yellow—of this mold-made ceramic cup are obtained from a lead glaze developed in the 1st century BCE in the eastern Mediterranean. More fluid and less prone to cracking, this glaze was a distinct improvement over other contemporary glazing technologies. It has been suggested that these colors were specifically selected to emulate the patina of weathered bronze and gilded silver. This vessel shape is common in ceramic, glass, and metal.

Provenance

Friedrich L. von Gans (1833-1920), Frankfurt am Main, Germany

by 1921 - 1923
Galerie Bachstitz, The Hague, Netherlands, acquired from Frederich L. von Gans [1]

1923 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Galerie Bachstitz [2]

Notes:
[1] Identified as coming from the von Gans collection in "Sammlungen der Galerie Bachstitz" [Berlin: Albert Frisch vol. 2, 1921, p. 66, cat. no. 204, pl. 73].

[2] Statement, dated November 10, 1923 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, June 8, 1923.

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