GOBELET Glass H.7 x Diam.7 cm ( 2 ³/4 x Diam. 2 ³/ 4 inches) Eastern Mediterranean, 2nd-4th century Provenance European collection, acquired on the English art market in the 1990s A tulip-shaped or chalice-shaped blown glass beaker with a profile that flares slightly towards the rim. The glass, probably originally light blue-green (aqua), is now entirely covered with a spectacular silver-gold iridescence and brownish mineral concretions, a patina resulting from long burial in a humid environment. The surface has an almost pearly effect with changing reflections. The base is slightly concave, providing a stable base. his type of beaker was common in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire during the late imperial period. The tulip/calyx shape was widely used from the 2nd to the 4th century, a period during which glass workshops continued to produce high-quality, functional tableware. A Roman Eastern Mediterranean Blown Glass Baker. 2nd-4th century A.D. Blown glass beaker of tulip or chalice form, with profile slightly flaring towards the rim. The glass, originally probably light blue-green (aqua), is now entirely covered with spectacular silvery-golden iridescence and brownish mineral concretions, patina resulting from long burial in a humid environment. The surface presents an almost pearly effect with changing reflections. The base is slightly concave, allowing stable seating. The beaker demonstrates controlled free-blowing, with walls of relatively regular thickness. The elongated form and profile slightly narrowed at the base before flaring towards the rim are characteristic of drinking beakers from the Late Roman period. The glass contains fine air bubbles typical of ancient production.