Ewer with Floral Scroll
Unknown Artist
12th century
Medium
Glass, green; mold blown, applied handle
Dimensions
H. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
Classification
Glass
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1947
Accession Number
47.85.2
Art Historical Context
This delicate 12th-century green glass ewer, adorned with intricate floral scroll motifs, exemplifies the refined artistry of Islamic glassmaking during the medieval Islamic world. Standing just 5 3/4 inches tall, it served as a practical vessel for pouring water, rosewater, or other liquids in households, reflecting everyday luxury in regions like Syria, Egypt, Iran where such objects thrived. The floral designs, evoking lush gardens of paradise—a recurring theme in Islamic art—highlight the culture's deep appreciation for nature's beauty and ornamental harmony. Crafted using mold-blowing, a...