micromosaic

This Roman micromosaic has a Greek theme. It shows a 4th Century, lebes gamikos, a Greek wedding gift (lebes means deep bowl; gamein is Greek for marrying). This vase, depicting a bride and groom, has a black glaze with red figures and high oval handles on the shoulders. It was most likely used for a ritual in which the bride was sprinkled with water before the wedding. The red and black of the subjects are repeated in the band of the mosaic.

The micromosaic consists of glass tesserae in earth colors and dates from the end of the 18th century. It was made in the Vatican studio’s in Rome. It is in perfect condition.