100-300 AD. Roman. Rare miniature glass amphora or amphoriskos with flaring rim, tapering neck, flaring shoulder and truncated conical body; two fine strap handles are applied to the rim and the shoulder; much of the exterior is covered in a small horizontal trail. The whole of the vessel is covered in a yellowish-cream patina. 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:110mm / W:40mm ; 40g; Provenance: Property of a London businessman; formerly in an old English collection; acquired in the 80s and 90s.