A set of three en:Mamluk era en:Syrian-blown glassware vessels from the 14th century, complete with enamel and gilding decorations and calligraphic writing.

The central four-handled vase shown has a formidable international history: it was crafted sometime between 1325 to 1350 for the presiding sultan of the en:Rasulid Dynasty in en:Yemen, which ruled southern Arabia from 1229 to 1454. This particular vase created in Syria under the Mamluks was aimed to please the Rasulids, as it displays the characteristic five-petal rosettes associated with the Rasulids. The Rasulids Dynasty was a seapower in the Indian Ocean, largelly controlling sailed routes from East Asia to Africa. With contacts in East Asia, this vase eventually wound up in en:China, either arriving as a gift or brought back by a Chinese envoy visiting Yemen.

From the Freer and Sackler Galleries of Washington D.C.

• Author: en:User:PericlesofAthens
• Date: August 3, 2007