Perfume Sprinkler

Art Historical Context

This exquisite **Perfume Sprinkler** from the 14th century exemplifies the refined artistry of Islamic glassmaking. Crafted from enameled glass, it measures a delicate 4 3/8 inches (11.1 cm) in height, with a width of 2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm) and depth of 2 inches (5.1 cm), making it perfectly suited for handheld use. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department, it entered the collection through the bequest of Theodore M. Davis in 1915. In medieval Islamic society, perfume sprinklers like this one—often called *mabkhara*—were indispensable for dispersing rosewater or other scents during hospitality rituals, ablutions, and religious ceremonies. The enameling technique, where powdered glass colors are applied and fired onto the surface, created durable, vibrant decorations on everyday luxury items. This method, peaking in the 14th century, demonstrated advanced technical skill and aesthetic sensibility among anonymous artisans. Though the maker remains unknown, this lightweight object (just 2.3 oz.) reflects the cultural emphasis on beauty in functional design, blending utility with elegance in a portable form cherished across the Islamic world.