After the Roman period / Department of Archaeology, UMUT

The manufacturing of glass dates back to the third millennium B.C. in the Ancient Mesopotamia. While the main products at the beginning were small beads and seals, glass vessels were introduced sometime around 1500 B.C. Glass-blowing technique was developed in the Roman period. This technique enabled the production of a far larger variety of glass objects. Some of the glass vessels made in the Sasanian period (3–7th Century A.D.) were quite thick, and are thought to have suited long-distance trade on land. One such example is a glass bowl with facets in relief (right). It is the same type of bowl as that stored at the Shosoin Imperial Treasure House.

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