Cut-Glass Cup

Unknown

8th–9th century · Glass, colorless with a green tinge; blown, cut · Islamic Art

Disks with raised dots at the center encircle the body of this small spherical cup. Echoing the omphalos (navel‑shaped) motif found on objects from ninth‑century Samarra, designs such as the one seen here are inspired by Sasanian cut glass. The maker achieved a harmonious surface treatment by cutting away the surrounding glass, leaving the circles in relief. Petals radiating from the circular base decorate the lower part of the cup.

Artist

Unknown

Date

8th–9th century

Medium

Glass, colorless with a green tinge; blown, cut

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1965