A fine Roman pale green glass patella (type of bowl). The rim is outsplayed, with a rounded lip; a straight tapering wall, which curves in sharply at the bottom; splayed foot ring with tubular edge made by folding; the underside of base convex.
 
Roman: Circa 3rd-5th century AD.
 
Condition: Complete and intact. Areas of attractive iridescence to the surface and a few light accretions.
Diameter at rim 11.1 cms (4.4 ins).
 
Provenance: Ex Yoav Simon collection Ramat Hasharon, Israel, acquired 2002. Exported with export approval licence of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
 
Compare with item 1108: Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass; volume three: David Whitehouse.
 
Used in wealthy Roman households, these vessels were likely for drinking, holding food offerings, or as decorative table ware.
 
See our blog post on Roman glass