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IIIF

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At A Glance

On View
  • Period

    late 13th century
  • Geography

    Syria
  • Material

    Glass
  • Dimension

    H x Diam: 30 × 18 cm (11 13/16 × 7 1/16 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1948.14
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1948.14

Object Details

  • Description

    Beaker, enamelled and gilded. Honey-colored fluted body set on foot. Colors: red, yellow, white, light blue, green; red outlines.
  • Label

    Enameled glass vessels were one of the most sought-after luxury items of medieval Syria and Egypt, avidly collected by wealthy patrons throughout the Islamic world and beyond. A technical virtuosity, enameled glass was created by outlining the decorative elements with red enamel and filling them in with white, blue, green, yellow and other colors. Much like the process for luster-painted ceramics, the enamel was applied cold and fixed to the surface by firing the vessel again at a low temperature.
    This fluted, honey-colored beaker is one of the largest drinking vessels to survive intact from the Mamluks in Egypt and Syria (1250-1517). Its decoration is probably inspired by contemporary manuscript paintings and depicts courtly figures and scenes of royal pastimes, such as hunting and polo.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Exhibition History

    Engaging the Senses (October 14, 2017 - ongoing)
    Arts of the Islamic World (May 3, 1998 to January 3, 2016)
    Ancient Glass (May 26, 1982 to June 25, 1982)
    Art of the Mamluks (May 14, 1981 to May 25, 1982)
    Art of the Arab World (August 15, 1980 to May 13, 1981)
    Art of the Arab World (May 8, 1975 to August 20, 1977)
    Near Eastern Art (June 15, 1973 to May 7, 1975)
    Glass Exhibition, in honor of VI International Congress on Glass (July 4, 1962 to December 3, 1962)
    Centennial Exhibition, Galleries 6 and 7 (February 25, 1956 to April 10, 1962)
    Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Manuscripts, Pottery, Metalwork, and Glass (April 12, 1955 to November 21, 1955)
    Special Exhibition, Near Eastern Art (September 15, 1953 to February 9, 1954)
    Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Arts, 1947 (October 6, 1947 to February 25, 1956)
  • Origin

    Syria
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
  • Type

    Vessel
  • On View

    Freer Gallery 03: Engaging the Senses
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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