A one-handled fluorspar cup with rich purple and green veining. It is decorated with a low relief frieze of vine leaves, grapes and tendrils and a bearded head, presumably Dionysus or one of his companions, in higher relief under the handle. Roman fluorspar vessels and extremely rare now, and were so in antiquity too. Fluorspar rarely occured in pieces large enough to make vessels. It seems probable that this cup was found together with the Crawford Fluorspar Cup which the Art Fund purchased in 1971 to present to the British Museum in honour of the Chairman, Lord Balcarres (see Review number 2407).
More information
Title of artwork, date
The Barber Cup, 1st century
Date supported
2003
Medium and material
Fluorspar
Dimensions
13.5 x 9.5 cm
Grant
50000
Total cost
150000
Get a National Art Pass and explore British Museum
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at British Museum
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.