AN ITALIAN BRECCIA-AFRICANO MARBLE OVAL BOWL

"Africano" marble, so called by Roman stone-cutters due to its sharp contrasts in colour, was one of the first coloured marbles to be introduced in Rome but was used most intensively during the period spanning the reigns of Augustus to the Antonine Emperors. Even during Diocletian's reign it is listed as one of the most expensive marbles. As was the case with other highly valued types of marble, "Aficano" was reserved for use by the Roman Emperors. It is rarely found in Asia Minor where it originated.