Drinking Vessel

This small glass drinking vessel dates to the tenth century and was discovered in the area of ancient Tashkent, an important city of Mawarannahr.
During the Samanid period, Central Asian cities experienced a remarkable growth of craftsmanship and trade. Local artisans produced ceramics, metalwork, and glass objects that circulated widely along the Silk Road.
The vessel is made of thin transparent glass. Its surface now shows a soft iridescent shimmer. This phenomenon, known as iridescence, develops when glass remains buried in soil for centuries. Minerals gradually alter the surface layers of the material, creating a delicate rainbow-like sheen.
The form is simple and cylindrical, resembling a small beaker with straight walls. Such uncomplicated shapes were typical for everyday drinking vessels used by urban residents in the tenth century. They were likely used for water, fruit beverages, or wine during meals.
Although modest in appearance, this object is archaeologically significant. Glass rarely survives intact over such a long period, and well-preserved examples like this one help scholars better understand medieval glassmaking traditions and daily life in the cities of Central Asia.