Ancient Round Glass Bottle

The Ancient Round Glass Bottle is an ancient glass artifact, bulging and circular in shape. Its walls narrow toward the top, ending with a slender neck that becomes narrower as it rises. It concludes with a thickened rim directed outward and features a circular, concave base.

It was discovered in the historic area of al-Rabadha, one of the sites rich in archaeological finds, containing a wealth of artifacts such as pottery, ceramics, stone tools, glassware, metal objects, jewelry, adornments, inscriptions, carvings, and coins. The site is located about two hundred km east of al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, situated on the edge of the western Hejaz Mountains in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Height: 21.5 cm.

Spout diameter: 4.8 cm.

The bottle dates back to the Islamic period and was used for storing perfumes, cosmetic oils, and precious liquids.

The discovery of the glass bottle is part of the outcomes of archaeological surveys and excavations conducted by the Antiquities and Museums Sector in Saudi Arabia over the past years. It is among the findings of Saudi archaeologists and scientific missions that continue to uncover Saudi Arabia’s treasures, reflecting the successive civilizations that inhabited its lands.

The glass bottle was registered under the number 2357 and is preserved at the National Museum in Riyadh. It is considered one of the selected artistic pieces from a collection of archaeological discoveries in Saudi Arabia showcased in the Saudi Archaeological Masterpieces Through the Ages Exhibition. This exhibition was held internationally for the first time at the Louvre Museum in the French capital, Paris, in 2010. It later traveled to participate in several exhibitions around the world in Europe, Asia, and America.

This spherical bottle was crafted from transparent green glass using the techniques of free blowing and cutting. It reflects the strong cultural connections between the urban centers of the Arabian Peninsula and the regions of Iraq and Iran.