An ancient Roman whale shaped millefiori glass rhyton featuring a remarkable and highly collectible artifact with historical and artistic significance. Millefiori, which means thousand flowers in Italian, refers to the technique of creating intricate and colorful patterns by fusing together small glass canes of different colors. Roman glassworkers were skilled at creating millefiori glass items, including bottles, vases, and other vessels. These objects were often used for various purposes, such as storing perfumes, oils, or other liquids. A rhyton is a roughly conical container from which fluids were intended to be drunk or to be poured in some ceremony such as libation, or merely at table. A rhyton is typically formed in the shape of an animals head. Ancient Roman Glassware Collectibles.