A fine Ancient Roman mosaic glass fragment, likely once part of a tile or a vessel. It is roughly triangular in shape, and features a pale cream-beige base colour, which is opaque. The mosaic pattern is formed from canes of brown and red glass which create polychromatic rings in the main matrix. Some of the rings have blurred and bled into each other and the background, creating a beautiful sense of flowing movement throughout the piece. The surface of the fragment is slightly coarse and textured on all sides. Minor scratches to the surface. Originating during the Hellenistic period, the mosaic glass-making technique spread into the Roman empire after the annexation of Ptolemaic Egypt, becoming popular amongst the Roman elites. However, following the decline of the empire in the 5th century AD, glass making died out in Western Europe. Measurements: (circa) W 1.9cm x L 2.6cm x H 0.4cm Provenance: Ex Gallery Mikazuki prior to 1984 property of a London gentleman.