A small Fatimid rock crystal bottle, Egypt, 10th century

the rounded, cylindrical body with a central scrolling band cut in relief, the flared neck with seven facets, the circular mouth with a narrow bored hole

foot reduced, some small chips and abrasions to the rim at the bottom and beneath the neck, dirt to the the inner bored hole, 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 and the following lot form part of a small group of rock crystal flasks produced in the Fatimid period for courtly use. The closest comparison in terms of form and decoration is the flask in the Keir Collection which shares the same facet-cut funnel mouth and bevelled palmette scroll around the body (see Pinder-Wilson in Robinson 1988, no.R3, pp.294-5).

The present example would originally have been of slightly larger dimensions. The grinding down of the foot suggests that, like many of the examples of this group that were in Europe by the Medieval period, it may have been mounted for use as a reliquary or other ecclesiastical device in place of its original secular function as a container for perfume or some other luxurious substance.