Title: Stem Goblet
Date: 11th–12th century AD
Location: perhaps Iran
Materials: colourless glass with a greenish tinge, filled with bubbles and stone; blown, trail-decorated and tooled
Dimensions: 14.9 x 6.5cm
Accession Number: GLS 331
Other Notes:
The funnel-shaped goblet has a broad, horizontal flange at its base. To this was applied a solid stem that was tooled to form the foot, which has a slight kick and retains the pontil wad. The body is decorated with a band of trailed-on prunts, which stand in relief. The band is bordered above and below by fine trailed threads.
The tiny footring and the pontil wad make the goblet unstable and it was possibly not intended to be put down. Alternatively, it is feasible that such beakers were held in a stand, perhaps resembling the early Islamic polycandela in which beaker- or goblet-shaped lamps were held.
Bibliography:
S.M. Goldstein et al, Glass. From Sasanian Antecedents to European Imitations, The Nasser D Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, volume XV, London 2005, cat.286, pp.248–9.
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