Ancient Islamic Glass “Molar” small bottle
SKU: UG014.
Period: Islamic Period.
Date: 9th-10th Century AD.
Dimension: 3.8 cm.
Condition: Very good condition, intact.
Description
Description
Ancient Islamic Glass “Molar” small bottle, 9th-10th Century AD
Mold-blown, square body which, about half-way down divides into four cut wedge-shaped feet arranged around flat bottom.
The “molar” bottle is a characteristic example of cut Islamic glass. Its name derives from the four wedge-shaped feet, Which resemble the root of a molar tooth.
In Lamm’s opinion, such bottles were manufactured in Egypt, from where they were distributed throughout the Islamic world as perfume containers.
Found in the City of Ramla in the Holyland.
GIass-cutting, simiIar to the technique of rock-crystal-carvi ng,. was practiced in Iran even before the advent of Islam. It was further developed in the 9th-l I th century CE, during which time it is found not only in Iran, but also in Mesopotamia, (Iraq) and Egypt.
In this technique, the basic shape of the vessel was, produced in a mold: while the final form and ornamentation were subsequently created by carving.
Owing to their shape, some of these small bottles are called “molars.” Stefano Carboni, Glass from islamic lands, Cat. 27a
Ref:
Yael Israeli, Ancient glass in the Israel museum ( the Eliahu Dobkin collection and other gifts, no. 503
Yael Israeli, The wonders of ancient glass in the Israel museum, Jerusalem, page 60
