An important relief-cut cameo glass ewer

Egypt or Near East, late 10th/ early 11th Century

Footnotes

Provenance
Collection of Madame Kismat Pilati, Vienna.
Acquired by the current owner on the 23rd of June, 1976.

This lot is accompanied by a scientific report by Dr. Julian Henderson analysing the composition of the two layers of glass and finding it consistent with a date of production in around the 9th century or slightly later.

The present ewer is an extremely rare and important example of Islamic cameo glass, dating from approximately AD 1000. Closely comparable with the celebrated 'Corning Ewer', in the Corning Museum of Glass, New York, (acc. no. 85.1.1) this ewer exemplifies the intricate artistry and technical prowess of Islamic glassmakers during the early medieval period. Its creation involved advanced techniques such as blowing, casting, relief-cutting, drilling, and applying, resulting in a vessel that not only served a functional purpose but also conveyed cultural and artistic values.

The ewer was crafted using a technique known as cameo glass, which involves layering different coloured glasses and then carving away parts of the top layer to create images in relief. This method, although originating in Roman times, was rediscovered in the Islamic world during the 9th century, probably in Western Asia or Egypt. Relief-cut Islamic glass was mainly produced between the 9th - 11th centuries, a time which ushered in changes to glass technology due to improved administration under the Abbasids and Ayyubids. This led to the movement of skilled artisans to cosmopolitan centres, and the translation of early Arabic scientific texts on glass manufacture prompted experimentation in its production.

The present ewer's thin-walled construction and detailed relief work demonstrate the high level of skill achieved by Islamic glassmakers. The use of transparent blue glass over colourless glass allowed for the creation of delicate and detailed designs, showcasing both technical mastery and artistic expression. The decoration comprising of birds attacking horned animals reflects common motifs in Islamic art, drawing inspiration from earlier traditions in Byzantium and Sasanian Persia. The decoration is comparable to that found on the 'Corning Ewer', which also features opposing horned animals being attacked by birds of prey. Elements of the design, however, show some variation, the example in the Corning Museum with a perching bird at either end, whereas the present ewer features vertical lines with curving upper sections.

We know that the 'Corning Ewer' was acquired by the Corning Museum of Glass in 1985. It was reportedly acquired in Tehran before 1974 and whilst its origin remains uncertain, possible regions of production include Persia, Mesopotamia or Egypt. The ewer's design and technique bear similarities to other Islamic glass objects, such as the Buckley Ewer, in the Victoria and Albert Museum (acc. no. C.126-1936) and the Rock-Crystal Ewers produced for Fatimid rulers in Cairo at the turn of the 10th century.