Goblets with Applied Decoration

Unknown

11th–early 12th century · Glass, colorless; blown, applied decoration · Islamic Art

These matcing goblets are each formed by a conical cup attached to a small, solid, and splayed stemmed foot by a circular flange applied around the base of the cup. They are made of yellowish colorless glass that contains many small bubbles. Both cups are decorated with an unbroken applied trail in the same yellowish color, which forms a horizontal line about two-thirds of the height and continues below to create a fanciful, abstract pattern of curly designs around the cup. The decoration can be read more clearly when the cup is filled with wine. The flange around the base of the cup, also in the same color, is formed by a single trail wound in a spiral to create a protruding disk. This unique matching pair of goblets probably belonged to a single set, since they share the same construction, profile, and decoration. The elegant and well-proportioned profile, probably derived from conical beakers in cut glass with a protruding disk forming the base, is particularly appealing.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th–early 12th century

Medium

Glass, colorless; blown, applied decoration

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2000