A Sassanian Cut glass bowl, Persia, 5th-7th century

the clear glass of hemispherical form, facet-cut with five roundels, the base with a double-tiered foot

fairly good condition, uneven surface wihin the inside of bowl, some chips on the rim, 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 bowl is of characteristic Sassanian type with hemispherical body and facet-cut decoration. Facet-cutting, a legacy of Roman glasswork, became popular in the late Sassanian period. The most intact examples are from shrines in Japan, were they were imported from Iran as early as the sixth century. One such highly prized example was deposited at the Shrine of Shosoin during the eighth century. A bowl from a private collection, Tokyo, of similar form and decoration is illustrated in Fukai 1977, no.12. Another is in the Khalili collection, illustrated in Goldstein 2005, p.57, no.46.