Bottle

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

CultureSyrian or Persian

Titles

Bottle

Date11th–12th century

MediumGlass; blown, tooled, and applied

Dimensions6 7/8 × 3 1/4 in. diameter (17.5 × 8.3 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number70.109

Not on view

Explore Further

Department

Art of the Islamic Worlds

Object Type

GLASS

DescriptionIslamic artisans inherited glassmaking techniques and decorative repertoires developed by the Romans, Byzantines, and Sasanians. The MFAH glass objects on view exemplify some of the principal techniques and decorative innovations of early Islamic glassmakers. Mold-blown glass introduces inflated glass into a mold of wood or baked clay, carved with patterns in negative.Marvered glass is created by rolling molten glass against a marver, a strong flat surface containing glass pieces or trails. This allows colored glass pieces to adhere to the surface in intricate patterns. Cameo glass results from layering glass of different colors and carving it deeply enough so that the contrast color forms the design. Enameled glass is painted with vitreous enamel, or powdered glass, then fired to fuse different colors and designs.
ProvenanceRay Winfield Smith, Houston; purchased by MFAH, 1970.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.