An Ancient Roman millefiori, mosaic glass bead. The bead is ellipsoid in shape with deep grooves that create a floral appearance. Background colour is dark blue, highlighted with specks of white, red and light blue glass. Perforated through the centre. Some encrustation and pitting typical of age. Some chipping to one of the perforation holes. Millefiori, is a type of mosaic glass, characterised by its floral patterns. The name itself means ‘a thousand flowers’ in Italian. The technique involved arranging bundles of thin glass rods, of various colours, fusing them together and then drawing them out. They were then cut into cross-sectional fragments and slices to be used as inlays or for larger pieces. Millefiori bowls, for example, would involve large amounts of the sectioned fragments to be applied to an already-blown, hot bowl. The bowl would be heated again, allowing the fragments to fuse seamlessly together and creating a beautiful floral pattern. The millefiori technique was created by Egyptian craftsmen in the 2nd century BC, during the Hellenistic period and used well into the Roman period. Measurements: (circa) L 1.5cm x W 1.1cm Provenance: Ex Gallery Mikazuki prior to 1984 property of a London gentleman. N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**