Inkwell, 9th–11th century
Possibly Egypt
Glass, blown; H., total, 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm), H. at rim 2 1/2–2 1/4 in. (5.5–5.8 cm), W. 1 5/8 in. (4 cm)
The Corning Museum of Glass (50.1.38)

Inkwells in glass demonstrate the widespread use of this common material for activities associated with high social status such as calligraphy, the most exalted art in the Islamic world. The cylindrical tube in the inkwell prevented the ink from splashing, while the loops at the four corners may have been used to suspend it from the belt or the scribe's left wrist.