A fine marvered glass pot, Egypt or Syria, 7th/8th century

of globular form with upturned neck, kick base, decorated with strands of red and white glass forming a marvered design, iridescent layer across most of surface

Professor Ehud Mellberger, Haifa, since 1970.

Intact, the surface entirely covered with a layer of iridescence, we would recommend consulting a profesional conservator for advice on conservation and handling, some encrustation, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This vessel is typical of marvered glass production traditionally ascribed to the early Islamic period. Marvering is a versatile technique of embellishing glass, whereby a continuous spiralled trail of hot and malleable glass is applied to a dark base that is generally either purple, blue or green. In this instance, the original colour of the glass is difficult to assert due to a beautiful layer of iridescence. The technique retained its popularity in the central Islamic lands from the seventh century until the early Mamluk period. A similar example in shape and decoration is in the Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait (inv. no.LNS 322 G, published in S. Carboni, Glass from Islamic Lands, The Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait National Museum, p.314, cat.no.3.58). 

A comparable example was sold in these rooms, 9 April 2008, lot 92.