Glass was a particularly popular material in Islamic art because of its delicacy and its potential of a wide variety of shapes. The technique of enamelling, reaching its zenith in the thirteenth century, permitted a rich decorative style as demonstrated by mosque lamps and also profane objects of artistic design.
The objects shown are glassware of Islamic origin, in all probability having come to Europe during the crusades. The precious and well preserved vessels belonged originally to the collection of Rudolf IV, Duke of Austria and after his death in 1365 came into the treasury of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The vessels are assumed to have been produced in Syria around 1300, when production of glass ware reached its climax in Aleppo and Damascus. Both are painted and decorated with polychrome layers of enamel and gold.
These bottles were originally used for secular purposes which is demonstrated by their iconography.
The pilgrim’s flask shows a decoration around its neck neck and medallions on both sides its body. It features figures drinking in a garden setting or making music, and falconers on their horses, describing life at the Islamic ruler’s court.
The amphora-shaped bottle does not show any figures, except for mythical creatures in medallions below the neck.
Both vessels are covered with inscriptions in naskh which give no information regarding their origin. The repeatedly appearing words “sultan” and “the savant” express a kind of homage.

 

Based on German text by Doris Ebner

Bibliography:
Carboni, Stefano, Glass of the Sultans, New York 2001/2002
Kuba-Hauk, Waltraud, Arthur Salinger, Dom- und Diözesanmuseum Wien, Wien 1987
Lamm, Carl Johan, Mittelalterliche Gläser und Steinschnittarbeiten aus dem Nahen Osten,
2 Bände, Berlin 1929-30