Beaker with tongue and guilloche patterns

Art Historical Context

This delicate blue glass beaker, crafted around the 9th century BCE during Iron Age II in ancient Iran (Hasanlu Period IV), exemplifies the sophisticated artistry of the Ancient Near East. Standing just under 5 inches tall, it features intricate tongue patterns—reminiscent of flickering flames or stylized motifs—and guilloche designs, those elegant interlocking wavy bands that create a rhythmic, hypnotic effect. These decorations highlight the era's mastery of decorative symmetry, often seen in vessels used for rituals, feasting, or elite daily life. Made from vibrant Egyptian Blue glass—a vi...