Islamic Glass Camel Head - OF.122, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 1.5" (3.8cm) high x 1.28" (3.3cm) wide, Collection: Islamic, Medium: Glass, This charming glass camel head is a fragment of a larger piece. It is possible that its function was purely ornamental, however there was also a tradition whereby the body of the animal was used to support a small cosmetic container, also made from glass. If this head did once belong to such a piece it would have been a prized possession, used to store precious liquids such as perfume. The original colour of the glass was a translucent pale green. Over the centuries it has acquired an irridescent patina in a variety of shades, including stunning areas of turquoise blue.

Antiquities
Ancient Near East