Glitter of the Ancient World: Persian Cut Glass

These works are part of a private glass collection on loan to the Tokyo National Museum since 2004. This exhibition, with the theme of cut glass, is the second display from the collection, after the 'Glass Vessels of the Near East' exhibition in winter 2007-08.

"Cutting" is a decoration technique applied to glass and gems. The object's surface is partly faceted with a rotary grinder to make uneven patterns like lines, dimples and even more complicated designs. It was introduced to Achaemenid Persia in 4th - 5th century B.C. and developed greatly in Sasanid Persia. The Sasanian cut glass was exported to distant countries through the Silk Road and was much treasured by local people. Outside Persia, glass-cutting technology also developed in the Mediterranean and in Persia it continued to be used after the coming of Islam.

Persian cut glass was also owned and appreciated by ancient Japanese aristocrats. A typical Sasanian cut-glass bowl dated to the 4th - 5th century is still housed in the Shosoin treasury of Todaiji temple in Nara, and another from the 6th century, which is said to have been unearthed at Emperor Ankan's tumulus, is permanently exhibited in our Japanese Archaeology Gallery (Heiseikan).
* Please note: Japanese Archaeology Gallery, Heiseikan is closed November 17, 2008 - January 1, 2009