Vessel Fragment

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ornament

Vessel fragment 8th–10th centuries, Egypt Free-blown and marvered glass Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, 965.3.223

Vessel fragment

The fragmentary condition of this blown glass vessel does not detract from its fine decoration. The deep blue glass is decorated with threads of white glass marvered across and melded to the vessel's surface. The color and pattern evoke sea waves and foam. The vessel's aquatic look was perhaps intended to reflect its function—namely, to hold liquids.

Bibliography: Carboni 2001, 300; Carboni and Whitehouse 2001, 138; Jenkins 1986, 37; Scanlon and Pinder-Wilson 2001; and Pinder-Wilson and Scanlon 1973.

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