The greatest revolution in the history of glassmaking occurred in the first century BC with the discovery that air could be blown through a pipe into heated, liquid glass to produce a variety of shapes and sizes. This new technique was simple and fast. It spread throughout the Roman Empire, aided by the prosperity and stability of the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace.

 Mold-blowing techniques led to the creation of glass vessels that imitated real objects. In the first century, artists working in the Middle East were inspired by favorite foods. This flask mimics grapes. It is naturalistic, with three lobes forming the bunch of individually articulated grapes. The purple color enhances its realistic appearance.

 Glass quickly ceased to be exclusively a luxury item and soon replaced ceramics in daily life. Both practical and beautiful, glass could be made in many forms and colors, with or without decoration. Each vessel was handcrafted and therefore a unique work of art.