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REN1 · 7.0005

Glass Vessel

10th century СЕ. Central Asia. Bright colored glass. 12.2 × 6.1 cm

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Description

This vessel is perceived primarily as a utilitarian object. Its form is free of decorative emphasis and clearly focused on function.
The vessel dates to the 10th century, a period of active urban development in Central Asia. In the era presented as the First Renaissance, glass was widely used not only for tableware but also for storing substances that required containment and visual control. Objects of this type may have been used in domestic, commercial, or craft contexts.
The form is compact and stable. A cylindrical body rises into a short neck with a narrow opening, allowing controlled pouring and helping to protect the contents. The light-colored glass was likely originally nearly transparent. Over time, subtle iridescence developed on the surface as a result of long-term chemical processes within the material.
Cracks and signs of wear indicate prolonged use. This vessel offers insight into the everyday material culture of the 10th century, where simple forms fulfilled practical needs and reflected contemporary technological knowledge.