Greek Mosaic Wares

During the 1st century B.C., the patterns among Greek mosaic wares were largely confined to two-color "starburst" and "roll up" patterns and a limited amount of amber and white banded wares that simulated the precious hardstone sardonyx (see following pages).

The small pellets containing either the "starburst" or "roll up" motifs that were fused together to create a mosaic pattern were cut from a fine thread that had been stretched out of a thicker ingot.