Possibly Grand Tour period. Roman-style greenish-blue glass “claw beaker” with thickened rim, restricted neck, globular body, stem and flaring foot. The body is ornamented with two rows of projecting “claws” (which give this type of vessel its name), ornamented with greenish-blue and dark blue pincered trails. 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. This item may be a reproduction made during the Grand Tour period, when travellers from Northern Europe visited the Mediterranean region and local artisans grew the appreciate the fine technical qualities of Roman glass. Excellent condition; on a custom-made stand.Size: L:190mm / W:140mm ; 855g; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970s then passed by descent.