Rock crystal jug with gold elements from the collection of the Dallas Museum of Art

One of the examples of craftsmanship from the Fatimid era, the rock crystal jug cannot fail to amaze with its exquisite workmanship. Made between approximately 980 and 1020 AD, it is one of seven surviving examples made for the rulers of Cairo.

Making such jugs required a high degree of skill and careful work. They were cut from a single piece of rock crystal, which added special value to the item. Patterns were created on the surface, with incredibly thin walls, reaching less than one millimeter in places.

The surface of this product is rich in elegant patterns, among which are images of cheetahs, geometric and botanical motifs. The top, handle and base were made later. In 1854, the jug was supplemented with elements by the jeweler Jean-Valentin Morel.

Although the purpose of rock crystal jars remains uncertain, it is known that they were considered luxury items that were displayed in the royal treasury. They were used both for storing and supplying water and for ceremonial purposes.

This ancient object is now housed in the collection of the Dallas Museum of Art in the United States, one of the nation's 10 largest art museums and distinguished by its dedication to research, innovation and public engagement. Its collection includes more than 24,000 works and spans 5,000 years of history, representing the full spectrum of the world's cultures.