Ewer
Unknown Artist
probably 18th–19th century
Medium
Glass; free blown with applied decoration
Dimensions
H. 6 7/16 in. (16.4 cm) Max. W. (including spout) 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm) Max. Diam. 3 1/16 in. (7.8 cm)
Classification
Glass
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Samuel L. M. Barlow, 1883
Accession Number
83.6.27
Art Historical Context
This elegant glass ewer, dating to the 18th or 19th century, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Islamic glassmaking. Standing just over 6 inches tall with a graceful spout and handle, it was designed for pouring liquids like water or scented beverages, essential in daily life and hospitality rituals across the Islamic world. Its petite dimensions—maximum width of 4⅜ inches including the spout—made it both functional and portable, a testament to the balance of form and utility prized by artisans. Crafted using the free-blown technique, the vessel was shaped by blowing molten glass into a...