A rare marvered glass flask and stopper, Egypt or Syria, 12th-13th century

of translucent brown glass with white marvered bands, mould-blown with vertical ridges on a squat globular body, the stopper with a tall waisted grip and slender tiered dropper, the neck later mounted in gold

overall in good condition. some irridescence across the body, mainly at the brass rim and ridges. some minor abrasions throughout, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Another small marvered glass bowl with mould-blown decoration is in the al-Sabah Collection (Carboni 2001, p.308-9, cat.no.82a). A marvered bowl in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is also complete in having its cover (Jenkins 1986, p.45, no.50). It was once considered unique in this aspect.

The present example has a narrower neck and stopper suggesting that it was intended for the storage of a valuable substance, a proposition further strengthened by the dropper or applicator that forms the lower half of the stopper and sits inside the flask.