3The Portland Vase

One of the most beautiful pieces of Roman glass ever discovered, the Portland Vase is a marvel of craftsmanship and mystery. Made in the 1st century AD, it’s crafted from dark blue glass with intricate white cameo figures, possibly depicting a mythological or romantic scene.

The vase’s artistic technique has fascinated scholars for centuries—so much so that attempts to reproduce it in later centuries often failed. It’s both delicate and timeless, proof of how the Romans mastered elegance in even the smallest objects.

Gallery: Room 70