Warning: That supposedly Roman glass bowl at the museum gift shop is definitely modern

I was at the British Museum last week looking at their glass collection and noticed a bowl in the gift shop labeled as "inspired by ancient designs." But I've been studying Roman glass for about 3 years now, mostly as a hobby, and something caught my eye. The way the light hit it showed an even color all the way through. Real Roman glass from the 1st century almost always has these little swirls and bubbles from how they melted it in clay pots. This piece was way too perfect. I asked the guy at the counter about it and he admitted it was made in a factory in Italy last year. He just shrugged and said the label was accurate enough. It made me wonder how many people buy stuff like that thinking it's closer to the real thing. Has anyone else seen museum gift shops selling stuff that blurs the line too much?

2 comments

2 Comments

andrew91621d agoMost Upvoted

My antique detecting skills are about as good as my plumbing.

christopher38521d ago

Used to think I was good at it too. Changed my mind pretty quick.