C. 100-300 AD. Roman. A beaker in a pale blue fabric with a flaring rim, prismatic body and protruding base – absolutely perfect condition! 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. Beakers like this would have been used for drinking during banquets. Excellent condition; beautiful patina.Size: L:75mm / W:80mm ; 60g; Provenance: Property of an established London gallery; acquired from a private estate collection formed in the 1970s.