Fragment

Art Historical Context

This delicate glass fragment, dating to the 9th, offers a glimpse into the refined artistry of the early Islamic world. Measuring just 1¼ inches high and 1⅜ inches wide, it is a survivor from what was likely a small vessel, such as a beaker or cup. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic Art, it entered the collection as a gift from Saeed Motamed in1974. Crafted using advanced techniques of stained and luster-painted glass, piece showcases the ingenuity of Abbasid-era artisans, probably from regions like Iraq or Syria. Staining involved adding metal oxides to color th...