Ca. 100-300 AD. A glass beaker with a slightly spherical body which tapers towards the base. The vessel has beautiful iridescence and is decorated with a series of circumferential grooves, which could have been used to aid in grasping the vessel or to create a visual effect. The tapered shape of the beaker was likely adopted to enable the pouring of liquids into and out of the vessel more easily. Glass beakers were a common type of vessel used in Ancient Rome. These small glass containers were used for serving and drinking wine, as well as for serving other beverages such as water and beer. Beakers were an essential part of any Roman banquet or feast and were used both to serve drinks and to show off the wealth and elegance of the host.Size: L:80mm / W:80mm ; 60gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.