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Bottle

Place of OriginIran, reportedly from Nishapur
Date9th-11th century
DimensionsH: 3 11/16 in. (9.4 cm); Diam: 3 3/16 in. (8.2 cm)
MediumExpanded mold-blown and tooled glass.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1953.54
Not on View
DescriptionA small bottle of green glass featuring a globular body and a short, narrow neck. The body is decorated with a "honeycomb" or faceted pattern, created by blowing the glass into a textured mold. The surface exhibits white incrustation and partial weathering.
Label TextThis small green bottle was created by blowing molten glass into a patterned mold, a technique that imprinted the surface with a "honeycomb" design. This method allowed glassmakers to mimic the look of expensive cut rock crystal or gemstones using a faster, more affordable process. Produced during a time of transition between the Sasanian Empire and the early Islamic period, such vessels were likely used to hold perfumes, oils, or other precious liquids. The white "crust" on the surface is a result of weathering from centuries of burial in the earth.

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