Ancient Glass from Middle and Near East

Nearly 350 examples of ancient glass vessels and decorative glass from the Mediterranean and Central Asia were recently loaned to the museum by a prominent glass collector. This exhibition features 35 works from the collection and additional works will be exhibited as research progresses.

Glass was developed around the 23rd century BC in Mesopotamia, and afterwards production spread to the Mediterranean. Early glass was brightly colored and highly treasured. The labor intensive manufacturing process allowed it to only be purchased by the wealthy.

More cost efficient glass, made using glass blanks or glass-blowing techniques, was developed in coastal areas along the Mediterranean around the 2nd century BC. The lower production cost allowed use of glass to become more widespread - so it was used by commoners and merchants as well.

During the Sassanian Empire of the 3rd - 7th centuries, cut glass, which required a high degree of technical skill, was produced. This high quality glass was treasured and in great demand. It was exported and traded along the Silk Road, and this allowed some works of Sassanian cut glass to reach Japan. Examples of Sassanian glass have been found in the imperial collection from the Shosoin repository at Todaiji temple.