Animal-shaped bottle, 9th–11th century
Decolourized, greenish glass, blown
(H x W x D)12,5 × 13,3 × 6,4 cm
Place of originMiddle East, Syria, Iraq, Iran
About the workThis joyful animal has a history dating back to the early Islamic period. As early as the seventh or eighth century, bottles in the shape of animals were popular for eau de toilette and eye makeup. During that period, a blown vessel was transformed into a figure with the help of sculptural glass threads. Whereas in these early bottles the animal seems to carry the container, here the bottle itself was designed as a creature. However, only the front of the body with its neck and legs is original. The added back and handle were based on a similar piece.
AccessionGift of Helmut Hentrich 1973
Inventory numberP 1973-33
