The advent of Islam in the seventh century and
the empire created by its adherents had little
immediate impact on glass production. In the
Eastern Mediterranean Classical-Byzantine forms
and techniques continued to be practiced, whilst
further east Parthian-Sassanian traditions
prevailed. By the late eighth century however it is
possible to discern a distinctively Islamic style of
glass. Cultural ties across the empire and the
migration of craftsmen from one area to another
helped to fuse Classical and Near-Eastern
traditions. Whilst it is certainly true that one of
the characteristic features of Islamic glass is the
emphasis on decoration, undecorated vessels of
great beauty were also created. Many of these
were used for everyday purposes by the urban
population- as tableware, containers for oils and
perfumes, storage vessels, oil lamps and even for
scientific and medicinal equipment.
Although weathering due to burial often prevents
a full appreciation of the chromatic as well as the
sculptural appeal of a glass vessel, many have
survived in excellent condition and still convey a
playful charm. Globular bottles and vases, small
flasks and ewers were the favoured shapes
during the Islamic period. The decorative
elements often took on regular circular forms
(discs, roundels, ovals, prunts). The majority of
such vessels were decorated with applied glass of
the same colour since the shape and distribution
on the surface would be sufficient to emphasize
the ornamental pattern.
The vase has a flared neck and an almost
spherical body. The decoration has been applied
and consists of irregular four-pointed 'star'
motifs. A thread is also applied below the neck
and then pincered all around to achieve a riblike
decoration in relief. The surface is heavily
weathered resulting in a golden irridescence. The
vase and the applied decoration are of the same
colour.
This vase dates from the early Islamic period and
was probably produced in the Syrian region,
where many similar vessels have been found.
Vessels of this type can be divided into two
groups, those with a narrow opening and those
with a flaring neck, as evident in this example.
The distinction may represent a difference in
function, with the narrow necked vessels being
reserved for more precious liquids such as
perfume. These vessels were once dated to the
pre-Islamic period but are now generally
accepted to date from the seventh-ninth
centuries AD.
