Cameo Glass Vase

The art of cameo glass is more than 2,000 years old, and has been practiced by many cultures. The textured decoration is achieved by cutting through contrasting layers of glass. The Portland Vase, in the collection of The British Museum and dating to AD 5–25 (possibly Roman), is one of the best known examples, made famous through numerous copies by Josiah Wedgewood in the 18th century. The 1880s saw a revival of interest in cameo glass. The Frick's example was likely made by the English firm Thomas Webb & Sons, specialists in cameo glass.