Makers and their marks: the ancient function and modern usefulness of stamps on glass and ceramics
Date
2010-11-15T19:19:43Z
Authors
Prior, Jonathan David
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis examines the marking of Roman glass and ceramic vessels with stamps in the period from the first century B.C. through the second century A.D. The thesis establishes the context for the study of such makers' marks by first examining the early history of Roman glass. the changes brought on by the introduction of glassblowing, and the organization and working conditions of the industry. Next the thesis examines the roles played by stamps on glass in the ancient world. Then the organization and conditions of the ceramics industry are examined and the same questions are posed regarding the roles of stamps and what they can tell us. These stamps show us how the two industries were organized and reveal that Roman makers' marks served not only as proto-brand identifiers and artists signatures, but also as tools for industrial organization.
Description
Keywords
glass, pottery