Bottle

This bottle is an example of the more sophisticated cut-glass vessels produced in Iraq and Iran after AD 800. As here, glassmakers ground or cut away the thick glass walls to create decoration in bold relief.

Designs like the stylised plants and animals on this bottle were often inspired by Sasanian models. When Iran was ruled by the Sasanian dynasty (about AD 224 to 631) the techniques used to cut precious and semi-precious stones were also used on glass.

Physical description

Malet-shaped blown glass bottle, with wheel-cut decoration of parrot-like birds and palmette-leaves.

Place of Origin

Iraq (possibly, made)
Iran (possibly, made)

Date

900-1100 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Cut glass

Dimensions

Height: 23.5 cm, Width: 14.0 cm maximum

Descriptive line

Glass bottle, wheel cut in relief, Iraq or Iran, 900-1100.

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Lamm (1935;pl.7H.32D), K.Eldmann (1953;fig.59), also C.127-1936

Labels and date

BOTTLE
Wheel-cut in relief.
PERSIAN; 9th -10th century [Old gallery label]
Cut-Glass Dish and Bottle
Iraq or Iran
800-1000 and 900-1100

After 800 the cut-glass vessels produced in Iraq and Iran became more sophisticated. The thick walls were ground or cut away to leave the decoration in bold relief. Designs such as the quail-like bird surrounded by a pearl border on the dish were often inspired by Sasanian models.

Glass, blown and wheel-cut

Museum nos. C.128-1936; C.20-1965 [Jameel Gallery]

Production Note

Said by the vendor to have "come from Nishapur"

Materials

Glass

Techniques

Wheel-engraving

Subjects depicted

Birds; Palmettes

Collection code

MES

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