Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Ancient Roman miniature mosaic (millefiori) glass dish, standing on a low applied glass base. The dish is characterised by a shallow, slightly concave form with a rounded and gently tapering rim. The vessel is composed of fused sections of coloured glass, arranged in a radial mosaic pattern. The design features segments of turquoise, deep blue, translucent amber and black glass, creating a striking polychrome composition. The central area is formed by darker glass, from which the coloured segments radiate outward in a flower-like arrangement typical of millefiori work. -> The technique involves the fusion of differently coloured glass elements into a single cohesive form, producing decorative patterns that were highly valued in antiquity. Such mosaic glass vessels are associated with Roman glass production, particularly between the late Hellenistic and early Imperial periods. Size: ± 55 x 44,1 mm Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). Condition: Very good condition. The surface displays signs of age, including weathering, encrustations and areas of iridescence, consistent with age and use. Minor losses and surface irregularities are visible, contributing to the authentic archaeological character of the piece. Overall, an attractive and visually striking example of ancient mosaic glass, showcasing the technical skill and aesthetic sophistication of early glassmakers. -> The millefiori glass technique, also known as mosaic glass, has its origins in antiquity, with early developments in Egyptian, Phoenician and later Roman glassmaking traditions. From around the 3rd to 1st century BC, craftsmen in the eastern Mediterranean developed techniques to fuse differently coloured glass rods to create intricate patterned designs. These methods were further refined and widely used by Roman glassmakers, who produced a variety of decorative objects, including millefiori beads. Well-preserved Roman examples are typically dated between the 1st century BC and 3rd century AD. The technical knowledge of these processes was largely lost after antiquity and was later rediscovered and revived by Venetian glassmakers, who sought to emulate classical Roman glass. The term ‘millefiori’ was introduced in the 19th century and derives from the Italian words ‘mille’ (thousand) and ‘fiori’ (flowers), referring to the characteristic floral patterns.