Lycurgus Cup

• The Lycurgus Cup is a Cage Cup made from Roman Glass in c.350 CE.
• The glass displays different colours depending on whether it is lit from the back or the front, and is the only known Roman Glass vessel that has been found to do so, making it unique.

History

• The glass has been cut back back and ground down, in the same manner as a gemstone, to produce the cage effect.
• Tiny particles of silver and gold were added to the glass which is what causes the red or blue light.
• Instead of the usual abstract design, the Cup has cut figurines depicting King Lycurgus and Ambrosia from Greek Mythology.
• It is thought that this unusual glass was manufactured in the Eastern Empire, possibly Egypt, then exported and cut into a cup in a second workshop elsewhere, after which it was sculpted by a skilled craftsman in a third workshop.
• The Cup may have belonged to the Imperial Palace and been used for Banquets during Festivals.

British Museum

• The Lycurgus Cup is on display in Room 41 of the British Museum in London.