An Ayyubid or Mamluk glass beaker, Egypt or Syria, 13th century

of tapering cylindrical form broadening at the mouth, an applied ring around the foot, an indent in the base, traces of applied decoration throughout

overall in relatively good condition. intact, accumulation of dirt, some minor abrasions to the base, 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."

inscriptions

'izz li-mawlana al-su[l]tan al-malik al-'amil .... al-mujahid al-murabit (?) al-mathaghir al-mu'ayyad al-muzaffar al-ma...

'Glory to our Lord, the Sultan, the Diligent King ... the Holy-warrior, the Defender, the Protector of frontiers, the one Supported [by God], the Triumphant , the ...'

In its original state, this beaker carried impressive and lavish decoration in applied gilt. The ghosted traces of this decoration indicate that two arcades enclosed a register of fish beneath an encircling band of calligraphy.

The beaker has the distinctive base structure unique to beakers produced in the Middle East in the thirteenth and fourteenth century: a separate pad of glass was applied to the foot of the vessel which causes the inner wall to dome while the top part is pulled down in the centre where it touches the pad, leaving a distinctive dimple in its top (Ward 1998, pp.52-3).

There is some evidence that these beakers were originally produced in sets, or nests, that could be stacked together (Carboni 2001, p.334). Three beakers, apparently from one of these sets, are in the Khalili Collection (Goldstein 2005, pp.278-9, no.305).