Archaeological Museum of Bologna

Metal-wares, both bronze and silver, much more expensive than earthenwares, were present in the Roman kitchens and dining rooms, together with glass containers, which were particularly functional for food and beverage preservation, thanks to their transparency and easy-cleaning

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Three cups with relief decoration
The three cups came to light by chance in 1832 during farm work in small suburb northeast of what is now the city centre. The two smaller cups are cast and decorated with foliage motifs. The third is bigger and made in two parts. The inner part is smooth and the exterior is embossed with illustrations from the legend of Dionysus. These are excellent specimens of Hellenistic toreutics and may have been made by an Alexandria smith.

Provenance: From Bologna, San Donnino district. University Collection
Datation: 1st century AD
Material: Gilt silver
Dimensions: h cm 5,4 - 4,4 - 3,7
Inventory #: Rom 1996–98