C. 100-300 AD. Roman. A rare marbled glass flask in a reddish-orange fabric with white marbling; the vessel comprises a flaring rim, a long neck and globular body. The marbling is achieved by rolling the orange core of the vessel against canes of white glass while both are hot. 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. Vessels like this one would probably have been used for perfumes, oils (used as soap) and/or medicines in antiquity. Excellent condition; beautiful patina.Size: L:70mm / W:40mm ; 18.7g; Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed in the 1980s.