Cage cup

Diatreta from Komini II Pljevlja - Montenegro - 4th century

Cage cups, also known as diatretum, are a type of ancient Roman glass artifact. These luxury items were most popular during the late Roman Empire, particularly in the 4th century AD. Cage cups are characterized by their intricate design, featuring a glass inner vessel surrounded by an external decorative cage or lattice, which is also made of glass. The creation of these pieces showcases the high level of skill and artistry possessed by Roman glassmakers.

Design and Manufacture

The design of a cage cup involves an inner smooth glass vessel and an outer decorative cage, which are fused together yet distinctly separate. The outer layer is typically adorned with intricate patterns, figures, or inscriptions, cut out from the glass to create a lattice effect. This delicate process required exceptional craftsmanship and precision. The most famous pattern found on cage cups is the "Diatretum" or "reticulated" pattern, consisting of a series of interconnected circles or other geometric shapes.

Manufacturing a cage cup was a complex process that involved blowing a thick-walled glass vessel, then carefully cutting away the outer layer to leave the decorative cage. This technique, known as glass cutting, was time-consuming and required a high degree of skill. The risk of breaking the glass during the cutting process was high, making these objects rare and highly valued.

Uses and Symbolism

Cage cups were primarily used as luxury items for display, rather than for practical purposes. They were often given as gifts to convey status and wealth, or used as ceremonial objects. Some cage cups bear inscriptions or motifs that suggest they may have been used in religious ceremonies or as votive offerings.

The intricate design and craftsmanship of cage cups also carried symbolic significance. The light passing through the glass and the shadows cast by the cage pattern could be seen as metaphors for the passage of light through the universe, a concept that held spiritual meaning in the ancient world.

Surviving Examples

Few cage cups have survived to the present day, making them highly prized by collectors and museums. The most famous example is the Lycurgus Cup, which is housed in the British Museum. This particular cage cup is notable not only for its exquisite design but also for its use of dichroic glass, which changes color when light is passed through it.

Legacy

The artistry and technique involved in the creation of cage cups have been admired and studied by historians, archaeologists, and artists alike. They represent the pinnacle of ancient Roman glassmaking and contribute significantly to our understanding of Roman art and culture.