Images(3)

sprinkler flask

Object NameSprinkler

Made FromGlass

Dateabout 1200-1299

Place Madepossibly Syria

TechniqueBlown, applied, dragged, marvered, tooled. handles applied

SizeOverall H: 8.6 cm, W: 5.3 cm; Rim Diam: 0.5 cm

Accession Number71.1.1

Curatorial Area(s)

Exhibitions

L'Orient de Saladin

On ViewChanging Exhibition Gallery

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

Originally a plain utilitarian vessel for diffusing scented water, the humble sprinkler became a lavishly decorated vessel by the mid-1300s. Here, the rare combination of a pierced body, two-tone decoration, and applied snake-like handles added technical complexity to such a small object, which would have been made to delight a wealthy patron.

Physical DescriptionSprinkler. Translucent deep purple, with opaque white trail. Blown; applied, dragged, marvered; tooled; handles applied. Sprinkler: wall was flattened so that horizontal cross section was roughly oval, then tooled to create circular perforation (D. 2.5 cm) in long sides, surrounded by tubular body. Rim plain, with rounded top and narrow opening (D. 0.1 cm); neck cylindrical, widening as it descends, but with shallow constriction at bottom. Decoration consists of single trail dropped onto edge of base, wound spirally 17 or 18 times around body and neck, then dragged up and down to make six adjoining featherlike patterns, which are stretched and distorted on neck, and marvered. Perforation was made after object was decorated, as were two small purple handles dropped onto top of wall, drawn up in two loops, and attached to lower neck, and four small “feet,” each consisting of one purple blob.
Provenance

Source Ray Winfield Smith (American, 1897-1982) - 1970-02-26

Former Collection Norton Collection