Glass of the Sultans (Metropolitan Museum of Art Series)

Islamic glassmakers were not only brilliant technicians and innovators in their own right, but they also preserved many of the methods of Late Antique Roman craftsmen, passing them on centuries later to Venetian and other European masters. This lovely book is the first comprehensive study of the accomplishments of these artisans. The volume presents glass objects from collections throughout the world - from perfume flasks to pitchers, mosque lanterns to boxes, inkwells to vases - ranging from the seventh to the nineteenth century and through many of the major artistic centres of the Muslim world. Five introductory essays cover all facets of the subject, including historical background, archacological excavations, issues of connoisseurship, technology and science. The authors then discuss 150 masterworks of Islamic glass, grouped by technique or type of decoration (blown, mould-blown, hot-worked, mosaic, painted, cut, and engraved) each of which is illustrated in full colour. Examples of European glass objects are also included as illuminating reference points. The book is the catalogue of an exhibition that opens at the Corning Museum of Glass in May 2001 and at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in October 2001.