Beaker, Syrian, Mamluk period, second half 13th or 14th century. Glass, height: 10.5 cm; diameter of mouth: 5.1 cm; diameter of foot: 4.1 cm. Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase, 52:1921.

Glass-making in the Islamic world reflects a vibrant tradition dating from ancient times. The Romans first discovered how to blow glass on a rod, while the Iranians in late antiquity specialized in molded glass with wheel-cut decoration.

Roman traditions in glass-making also continued for centuries. As late as the 13th century, glass from Egypt and Syria exhibited Roman decorative techniques to incorporate contrasting colors. Such techniques can be seen on this small beaker.