Mamluk Glass Vase - SP.185, Origin: Egypt, Circa: 1250 AD to 1517 AD, Dimensions: 10.5" (26.7cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mamluk, Medium: Glass, The Mamluks controlled Egypt, Syria and Palestine between 1250 and 1517. ‘Mamluk’ literally means ‘owned’ and refers to the slave origins of this dynasty. Children from Turkish lands were recruited at a young age and given military training. The advantage of this system under the Abbasids and later the Ayyubids was the creation of fighting force which owned its position directly to the central authorities. Over time however this military caste overthrew their former rulers and seized power for themselves. The geographical position of the Mamluk power base enabled them to control the trade between Europe and the East and as a result amass great wealth. Today the Mamluk sultans are remembered for their lavish patronage of the arts, including a taste for elaborate enamelled and gilded glass.

Antique Glass
Antique Glass Vases