Vase

This glass vase dates to the tenth century and was discovered in the area of ancient Tashkent, one of the major cities of Mawarannahr.
During this period the region experienced a remarkable cultural and economic flourishing often described as the Islamic Renaissance. Cities of Central Asia became major centers of trade and craftsmanship, and locally produced goods circulated widely along the Silk Road.
The vase is made of thin glass with a characteristic greenish tint. This color was caused by natural iron impurities in the sand used for glass production. While medieval craftsmen could not always fully decolorize the material, today this green hue is recognized as a typical feature of Central Asian glass of that era.
The elongated shape, widening slightly toward the top, suggests several possible functions. Similar vessels were often used to store perfumes, essential oils, or medicinal liquids. Glass was particularly suitable for preserving volatile substances and delicate aromas.
Another possibility is that vessels of this form served as tableware, used for pouring water or other beverages during meals.
Complete glass objects from the tenth century are extremely rare. Because glass is fragile, most archaeological discoveries survive only in fragments. For this reason, well-preserved vessels like this one provide valuable insight into the glassmaking traditions of medieval Central Asia.