Bottle

Art Historical Context

This elegant glass bottle, to the 18th or 19th century, the refined craftsmanship of Islamic. Standing at 9½ inches tall with a maximum of 3⅝ inches, it was created using mold-blown techniques where molten glass is blown into a patterned mold achieve textured designs, then tooled on the pontil rod used by glassblowers to shape the base. The addition of cold-painting, applied after the glass cooled, allowed for vibrant, durable colors without high-temperature firing, highlighting the artisans' skill in combining functionality with decoration. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art department, this bottle reflects the enduring tradition of glassmaking in the Islamic world, from the Middle East to North Africa. During this period, such vessels served practical purposes like storing perfumes, oils, or spices, while their subtle forms and painted motifs showcased cultural sophistication and trade influences along Silk Road routes. A generous gift from Henry G. Marquand in 1883, the bottle invites visitors to appreciate the anonymous maker's mastery. Its preservation offers a window into everyday luxury, blending utility and artistry in a timeless Islamic aesthetic.