guy Posted March 13, 2022 Report Share Posted March 13, 2022 (edited) There have been previous threads about the spectacular cage cups that were produced in the Roman Empire, including this Autun cage cup and the Lycurgus cup. (See threads below) A picture of the vase before cleaning Quote “A cage or reticulated cup, with "an outer cage or shell of decoration that stands out from the body of the cup." "It has mostly been accepted that the cage cups were made by cutting and grinding a blank vessel of solid thick glass, a laborious technique at which the Greeks and Romans were very experienced." (Wikipedia) Here’s further information about the cage cup recently excavated in Autun, France. it looks spectacular after cleaning. (See thread below) Quote “A five-inch-tall glass vase decorated with the words “Vivas feliciter,” Latin for “live happily,” has been discovered in a late Roman–period grave in a cemetery in central France. The intact, reticulated glass vase is the first to be unearthed in the ancient territories of Gaul.” Quote ”The cup was found in 2020 in Autun, France, during excavations of a necropolis near the early Christian church of Saint-Pierre l’Estrier. The necropolis, which covers around 3ha, was in use from the start of 3rd to the middle of 5th centuries AD, with most burials dating to the 4th century. Analysis of the contents of the bowl and the adhering soil also revealed that it once contained a combination of oils, plants and flowers, and ambergris (or grey amber). Ambergris is a very rare and precious substance that comes from the intestine of the sperm whale. Sometimes called ‘sea truffle’ or ‘whale vomit’, it has been prized for its aromatic and medicinal properties for many centuries.” https://the-past.com/shorts/objects/cage-cup/ Edited March 14, 2022 by guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy Posted March 14, 2022 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2022 (edited) The presence of this substance “ambergris” in the vase pIqued my interest. I had to look that one up: Quote “Ambergris, ambergrease, or grey amber, is a solid, waxy, flammable substance of a dull grey or blackish colour produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. Freshly produced ambergris has a marine, fecal odor.” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambergris I would never have imagined the use of a substance from a sperm whale in Gaul. Also called “whale vomit” or “floating gold,” this fascinating substance can be found on beaches, including British beaches. Quote “The substance is created by the bile duct in the intestines of the sperm whale secreting bile, and it is frequently discovered floating on the water or washing up on the coastlines. Ambergris can be found in the stomachs of dead sperm whales. Giant squids are a common food source for sperm whales, and the whales may swallow the squid beaks. Scientists theorised that the whales produce ambergris to aid in the smooth passage of the hard substance. Many times, chunks of hardened ambergris have been discovered to include the enormous squid's beaks.” Quote ”Ambergris has been utilised in scent and luxury perfumes since ancient times, as well as in some traditional remedies. The Egyptians used it as incense, while the Chinese referred to it as 'dragon's spittle fragrance.'” https://www.indiatimes.com/amp/explainers/news/what-exactly-is-ambergris-556633.html It is incredible that the Romans were able to find the rare ambergris and knew about its potential uses. Edited March 14, 2022 by guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispina Posted March 17, 2022 Report Share Posted March 17, 2022 Amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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