Ancient Egyptian - Fatimid flask in rock crystal - Egypt - 9th/10th century AD.

Fatimid rock-crystal flask The body is cut into a multi-faceted hexagonal prism on a circular base with a cylindrical neck. Rock crystal was one of the most precious materials at the Fatimid court. Imported from afar, this material was endowed with magical properties. Because of its hardness, carving vegetal motifs so finely bevelled into rock crystal required great skill and patience. This flask was probably used as a perfume container. The triangular-faceted form of the present flask would have highlighted these qualities. Rock crystal, in which this flask was carved, is the purest form of quartz and is renowned for its hardness and clarity. It was associated with air and water by the polymath al-Biruni (973–1048 CE), and its translucency was so admired that it was sometimes called Busaq al-qamar or the “spittle of the moon.” The Fatimids, who were Isma’ili Shiites with a highly sophisticated theosophy, would have considered the unique ability of rock crystal to capture light as a special material, calling it a “dynastic material” (Shalem 1996, pp. 61–62, no. 60). Dimensions: Length 46 mm x Width 34 mm Excellent condition – just a tiny nick inside the neck Egypt, 9th/10th century. An exceptional piece Provenance information: Netherlands, D.Z.N. gallery Previous provenance history: Belgian private collection acquired on the European art market between 1990 and 2010. The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot. The seller will ensure that the necessary permissions, such as an export license, are arranged. (Cultural object passport) The seller will inform the buyer of their status if this takes more than a few days. All items from the seller are shipped with insurance up to the purchase price and are accompanied by an illustrated descriptive document mentioning provenance.

Estimate:£1,171

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