Bottle

Date:: 9th–10th century

Geography:: Attributed to Iran. Probably from Iran, Nishapur

Medium:: Glass, colorless; cast or blown, cut

Dimensions:: H. 2 3/4 in. (7.0 cm)

Classification:: Glass

Credit Line:: Rogers Fund, 1937

Accession Number:: 37.40.34

Not on view

The vessel type represented by this piece excavated from Nishapur in eastern Iran is known in English as the "molar flask" due to the distinct, tooth-like form of its base. The molar flask was a popular household item in the Islamic world between the eighth and eleventh centuries, and their wide distribution from Egypt to Iran suggests multiple centers of manufacture. Such vessels were most likely used to hold small amounts of valuable liquid perfumes. Like this bottle and the others found at Nishapur, molar flasks are usually made from monochrome glass and are often embellished with carved decorations. Examples crafted from more expensive materials like fused glass mosaic and even rock crystal are also known.

1936, purchased in Nishapur, Iran by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's expedition; 1937, accessioned by the Museum

Kröger, Jens. Nishapur: Glass of the Early Islamic Period. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1995. no. 188, p. 137, ill. (b/w).

Timelines
Iran, 500–1000 A.D.

Nishapur: Glass of the Early Islamic Period

Department

Islamic Art (14,468)

Object Type / Material

Geographic Location