Pyriform Flask

Location: probably Iran

Materials: honey-coloured glass, blown, tooled and trailed

Dimensions: 29 x 17cm

Accession Number: GLS 611

Other Notes:

This is one of the largest intact pieces of Islamic glass. The destruction wrought by the Mongols in the early 13th century put an end to the manufacture of glass in Iran for four centuries or more.
The flask has a flattened base with a pronounced kick and a pontil mark.

Bibliography:

S.M. Goldstein et al, Glass. From Sasanian Antecedents to European Imitations, The Nasser D Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, volume XV, London 2005, cat.254, pp.220–21.
J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.148, p.126–7.