C. 100-1400 AD. Roman, Sasanian and Islamic. A collection of 20 small glass vessels, reconstructed from fragments, of various shapes and sizes typical of the Roman, Sasanian and Islamic periods. The various colours and forms represented (including yellows, blues and greens) are typical of ancient and Islamic period glass. 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. Vessel glass was also widely used in Rome’s great rival, the Sasanian empire. Vessels would probably have been used for perfumes, oils (used as soap) and/or medicines in antiquity. After the fall of the Roman and Sasanian empires, the ancient glassmaking tradition was continued in the Islamic world, throughout much of the Middle Ages. Excellent condition; beautiful patinas.Size: L:Set of 20: 11 - 64mm / W:6 - 59mm ; 1330g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.