Tall 18th C. Islamic Safavid Glass Vase

Near East, Persia, Safavid Dynasty, ca. 18th century CE. A marvelous and massive glass vase boasting an elegant form in a translucent hue of olivine. The lovely vessel showcases a globular body, a lengthy, tubular neck, and an extended, flared mouth, all sitting upon an applied discoid foot. Delicate threading striations beautify the conical mouth, while the base of the neck is skillfully adorned with a heavy vermicular or wavy collar. Note how a thick weathering film has formed on the interior of the body, yet gently fades to nearly transparent glass at the rim, creating a truly stunning gradient effect! Size: 5" W x 10.5" H (12.7 cm x 26.7 cm)

Venetian glass was heavily imported by the Safavid empire, making the Murano Glass industry highly influential in the development of Persian glass making. Vessels like this example were likely used to store and transport Shiraz wine, which served as a valuable trade commodity at this time.

A vase of the same form in a bright hue of blue can be found at the Corning Museum of Glass under accession number 51.1.78.

Provenance: private California Collection, USA; ex-Malter Gallery, California, USA, before 2006

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#164634
Condition Report: Pontil scar on base. A pontil scar or mark indicates that a vessel was free-blown, while the absence of such a mark suggests that the work was either mold-blown or that the mark was intentionally smoothed away or wore away over time. Otherwise, intact and excellent with great earthen deposits and iridescence throughout.