Ancient Roman Glass Millefiori Bea

Ancient Roman Polychrome Mosaic Glass Eye Bead – 2nd–3rd Century AD
A distinctive ancient Roman mosaic glass bead dating to the 2nd–3rd century AD. The bead has a substantial rounded form and a dark green to olive-green glass body, decorated with multiple applied polychrome mosaic eye motifs.
The decorative elements combine red, white/cream, yellow and green glass, forming characteristic radial and concentric eye patterns. The different motifs are distributed around the body of the bead and remain clearly visible.
A central perforation runs through the bead. The surface displays age-related wear, deposits, patination and natural irregularities consistent with an ancient glass object. These surface characteristics, as well as the condition of the mosaic decoration and perforation, are documented in detail in the photographs.
Material: Glass / polychrome mosaic glass
Culture: Roman Empire
Period: 2nd–3rd century AD
Colour: Dark green to olive green with polychrome decoration
Decoration: Multiple mosaic eye motifs in red, white/cream, yellow and green
Weight: 6.55 g
Condition: Age-related surface wear, deposits and patination; please refer to the photographs for a detailed assessment of the condition.
Provenance: This bead originates from an ancient Roman glass bead necklace previously purchased through Catawiki. It is now being offered individually. The documentation relating to the original purchase has been retained.