5th century AD or earlier. A miniature glass vessel with asymmetrical piriform body, cylindrical neck and slightly flared rim. 11.4 grams, 50mm (2"). Property of a Surrey, UK, gentleman; formerly in a private Scottish collection formed 1950-1970. Roman glass bottles are probably the best known of ancient Roman artefacts. Glass vessels were used as tableware, religious items, funerary goods, trade items, and for special gifts. The advent of glassblowing allowed craftsmen to make a much greater variety of shapes than had been available in ceramic and other materials. [No Reserve]