A cut-glass bowl with hare decoration, probably Persia, 9th-10th century

A cut-glass bowl with hare decoration, probably Persia, 9th-10th century

of deeply rounded hemispherical form with slightly flared sides, on a small short foot, the exterior decorated with five relief-cut hares in running posture, within two thin raised bands encircling the waist. 12cm. diam. Estimate 20,000—30,000 GBP

NOTE : The ninth and tenth centuries saw cut glass become the most prominent form of decoration on various containers such as beakers, goblets and bowls, created by the use of either metal or wooden wheels or differently-size drills made with a stone or diamond point. The present object belongs to a large group of relief-cut vessels thought to have originated from north-eastern Iran. Another vessel of extremely similar form and size but decorated with horses can be found in the Museum für Islamische Kunst 1.20/65 (see Carboni & Whitehouse 2002, p.176, pl.82). Two further comparable pieces that share the 'running hare' motif are also in existence: one in the Al-Sabah Collection (see Carboni 2001, p.90, cat.22) and the other (made of turquoise glass and set with later silver-gilt mounts incorporating gems and Byzantine enamel plaques) in the Treasury of San Marco, Venice (see Buckton [Ed.] 1984, pp.209-13).

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World. 01 Apr 09. London www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's