GJPaw Auctions is pleased to offer an exquisite 7th century Islamic hand-blown glass vessel. Hand blown glass originates from the ancient art of forming glass, dating back to almost 50 B.C., which coincided with the establishment of the Roman Empire in the 1st century B.C. At the time of the Arab conquest in the seventh century A.D., glass-making had flourished in Egypt and western Asia for more than two millennia. During the first centuries of Islamic rule, glass-makers in the Eastern Mediterranean continued to use the Roman recipe consisting of calcium-rich sand (providing the silica and lime) and mineral natron (soda component) from the Wadi el-Natrun in Egypt as the constituents for forming glass. Glass-makers in the Early Islamic Period inherited many of the techniques of their forebears in the Byzantine and Sasanian empires, including glassblowing, the use of molds, the manipulation of molten glass with tools, and the decorative application of molten glass. Mold-blowing, based on Roman traditions from the 1st century A.D., is a specialized technique that spread widely throughout the Islamic Mediterranean world during this period. Two distinct types of molds are known from archaeological excavations: a two-part mold made up of separate halves, and the 'dip' mold, whereby the viscous glass is placed entirely inside one mold. Initially used for a variety of utility purposes, vessels for holding liquid were some of the main objects made from glass. But once the hand-blown glass process was uncovered and better understood, thus becoming a widespread practice, the possibilities for glass were unlimited. This extraordinarily beautiful mold-blown vessel shows early usage of the decorative applications of molten glass. It measures 1.5 inches in diameter by 2.5 inches in height (3.81 cm by 6.35 cm). The vessel shows wear consistent with a dating to the 7th century, including rubbing, tiny chips and scratches. This would make an exceptionally fine addition to any collection of ancient glass or ancient art collection in general.

GJPaw Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at Primitive in Chicago. Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add GJPaw to Sellers you Follow and please take a moment to look at our other auction items.

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