A sealed Islamic Bottle with Contents, ca 7th century CE

Small clear glass vessel with thin neck and piriform body that tapers to a small, rounded base.  The mouth is sealed with a wad of fabric, and the powdery contents are visible through the glass, especially when the bottle is held against light.  X-ray defraction tested to confirm the bottle contains galena, a lead based mineral commonly used in the 1st century as an ingredient in eyepaint.  

Condition: This remarkable piece is intact, with only a small loss to the rim that is mostly obscured by the wad of fabric.  There is a small section of discoloration on the shoulder of the vessel, otherwise it is in very good condition.

Dimensions: height 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters)

Provenance:   Dr Benson Harer private collection. Exhibited:  Workhouse Art Center, Virginia, Glass National 2016, October, 2016- January 2017.