This replica faithfully reproduces an elegant Roman olpe, a bronze wine jug from the 1st century CE, originally produced in Italy during the early Imperial period. The original, held in the Cleveland Museum of Art, is a fine example of luxury metalwork characterized by its pear-shaped body, wide rounded mouth, high arched handle, and intricate relief decoration in Hellenistic-Roman style. The design incorporates Dionysian motifs: grape clusters and vines, satyr or maenad masks on the handle, horizontal appliqué bands, and a prominent medallion depicting a female bust (likely a maenad, nymph, or Ariadne) crowned with foliage. These elements emphasize themes of wine, festivity, fertility, and ritual libation central to Roman elite banquets and religious practice. The original measures approximately 35.5 × 19.8 cm overall with a diameter of 16.3 cm and exhibits a characteristic green patina from centuries of oxidation.
This 3D-printed reproduction is manufactured with high precision to preserve the form, proportions, and detailed reliefs of the museum original. It is offered in the following materials:
- White Nylon – Polished finish for a smooth tactile surface; the most economical option.
- Black Nylon – Post-print Color Touch treatment provides resistance to scratching, rubbing, and external conditions, with uniform, consistent color across production batches and excellent surface quality.
- Bronze – Cast using lost-wax technique from a 3D-printed master model; delivers an elegant, metallic appearance with natural weight and patina potential.
- Gold Plated Brass – Cast brass base with applied gold plating for a luxurious, bright metallic effect.
- White Rhodium Plated Brass – Cast brass base with white rhodium plating for a bright, durable, silver-like finish.
All metal variants are produced via lost-wax casting: a 3D-printed wax master is encased in plaster, the wax is removed, and molten metal is injected to form the final object.
Important note: Due to production constraints in certain materials, objects exceeding maximum build or casting dimensions are produced at a reduced scale compared to the original artifact.
