100-300 AD. Roman. Magnificent clear glass beaker with a slight greenish tint, comprising a slightly flaring rim, inverted conical body and ring foot. Wheel-ground horizontal lines decorate the lower parts of the body. Glass was a major manufacturing industry in the Roman Empire, especially after the invention of glassblowing in the middle of the first century BC, when glass became used for a variety of purposes including vessels, jewellery and construction materials such as glass or tiles. Roman glassmaking reached the farthest corners of the Empire and flourished until about 400 AD, when the Roman Empire started to disintegrate, finally falling in the late 5th century AD. Vessels would probably have been used for perfumes, oils (used as soap) and/or medicines in antiquity. Good condition; on a custom-made stand.Size: L:88mm / W:75mm ; 55g; Provenance: Property of a London gentleman, formerly with the Parthenon gallery, previously in an old English collection formed before 2000.