cosmetic tube

Glassmaking was one of many crafts that flourished in the Sasanian Empire, and numerous products have come to light. Unfortunately, because our knowledge of Sasanian glass is somewhat limited, we cannot be sure whether some of these objects are Sasanian, Byzantine, or early Islamic. One example is this double cosmetic tube supported by two horses. It had both functional and decorative uses. Tubular containers for cosmetics mounted on zoomorphic figures were made in the Syrian region. The idea of supporting small containers with animal forms may have derived from the production of glass toys and figurines. More than 20 such objects are found in museums around the world. Some of the tubes are surrounded by an openwork “cage” made with trails of molten glass.