Ancient Near East, Islamic, ca. 10th to 12th century CE. A miniature glass vessel known as an amphoriskos comprised of opaque black glass with a meandering ribbon of opaque white glass tracing the shoulder, the form presenting an undulating reverse piriform shape with a bulbous nodule at the base, a short cylindrical neck with a folded rim and twin trail handles joining rim to shoulder. A wonderful piece in an elegant black and white color scheme. Both black and white have historically possessed strong associations - white with light, purity, and innocence - black with power and mystery. I wonder if the ancients who created and/or used this piece made any of these associations. Size: 2.125" H (5.4 cm); 2.625" H (6.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#137634

A few surface pressure fissures as shown. Tiny nick to lower end of one handle that is difficult to see. There is a sharp edge/divot just above the white trailing on one shoulder.