Animal flask, 7th–8th century
Syria
Yellowish, pinkish, and grayish colorless glass, free-blown and applied; tooled on the pontil; H. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm), Max. L. 3 1/2 in. (8.8 cm), Max. W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 1999 (1999.145)
Technical Glossary
Syria
Yellowish, pinkish, and grayish colorless glass, free-blown and applied; tooled on the pontil; H. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm), Max. L. 3 1/2 in. (8.8 cm), Max. W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 1999 (1999.145)
This vessel in the shape of a camel was probably a container for kohl, perfume, or essence. The shape and dimensions of such a trinketlike figurine suggest that its contents were poured while it was comfortably held in the hand. Stylized glass quadrupeds carrying burdens may also have been appealing as symbols of the trade and exchange of goods along caravan routes.
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Related Index Terms
Geography/Place
Material and Technique
Subject Matter/Theme
- • Animal
- • Animal, Camel
