Flask c. 1 - 500

This ancient glass flask, dating back to the first five centuries CE, is an example of Roman glassblowing, a highly developed craft. The flask's iridescent, blue-green hue is achieved through a process known as iridescence, caused by the decomposition of the glass over time. The intricate shape, with a wide, rounded base tapering into a narrow neck, suggests a delicate, perhaps ceremonial purpose. This piece, currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, provides a tangible connection to the past and the artistry of ancient Rome.