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Mosaic Tesserae

9th century
Not on view
Compared to findings at seventh- and eighth- century sites in the region, a relatively small number of glass tesserae were excavated at Samarra, suggesting that the medium had become rare in Mesopotamia but was still valued as a sign of imperial taste. Samarra's mosaics included pieces of mother-of-pearl that would have added to their reflective qualities.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mosaic Tesserae
  • Date: 9th century
  • Geography: Excavated in Iraq, Samarra
  • Medium: Glass, green and blue
  • Dimensions: Largest:
    H. 3/4 ‌in.
    W. 3/4 in.
    Smallest:
    H. 1/2 in.
    W. 1/2 in.
  • Classification: Glass
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1923
  • Object Number: 23.75.1a–l
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Polychrome Luster Tile Fragment, Earthenware; polychrome luster-painted on opaque white glaze
Polychrome Luster Tile Fragment
9th century
Glass Bowl in Millefiori Technique, Glass, green, opaque yellow, and opaque red mosaic; fused, slumped, ground, and polished, applied foot
Glass Bowl in Millefiori Technique
9th century
Cup with Molded Honeycomb Pattern, Glass, colorless with yellow tinge; dip-molded, blown
Cup with Molded Honeycomb Pattern
7th–10th century or later
Small Jar, Glass, greenish-blue; mold blown
Small Jar
9th–10th century
Ewer with Molded Inscription, Glass, greenish; mold blown, applied handle
Ewer with Molded Inscription
9th century

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