A large Mamluk enamelled glass beaker, probably Syria, 14th century
Auction Closed
April 24, 03:45 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
of tapering cylindrical form broadening at the mouth, a band of blue enamel around the shoulder with a reserved inscription between red and white dotted bands, the body decorated with a band of interspersed red outlined fish and interlaced lozenges, the mouth with traces of a similar band
18.7cm. height
inscriptions
al-sultan al-maliki al-'alimi al-'alimi al-'alimi al-'alim...
'the sultan, the kingly, the learned, the learned, the learned, the learned...'
Christie's, London, 8 April 2008, lot 87
This beaker belongs to a group dated to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, identified by its unique base construction. This characteristic form was achieved through a highly technical and long-forgotten glass-making technique, outlined by Hugh Tait in his examination of Middle Eastern glass cups exported to Europe. In order to obtain a flattened base facilitating upright positioning, glassmakers would apply an additional layer of glass, causing the underfoot to dome and leaving a distinctive dimple discernible from above (Ward 1998, pp.52-53).
The surface of the vessel exhibits translucent remnants of a former lavish enamelled decoration, closely resembling that of another beaker sold in these rooms, 6 April 2011, lot 321. This consists of a fish register around an encircling band of calligraphy.
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