1984 Islamic Damascus Enameled Gilt Vase Corning Museum Glass Dover Syria Art

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AUTHENTIC 1984 ISLAMIC ART POSTCARD - RARE DAMASCUS ENAMELED GLASS VASE (1320-1330)

DESCRIPTION

This stunning museum-quality postcard features an extraordinary Islamic enameled and gilt glass vase from medieval Damascus Syria (circa 1320-1330). The professional photograph showcases this magnificent artifact against a dramatic black background highlighting the exquisite craftsmanship and intricate detailing that makes Islamic decorative arts so highly prized.

Published by Dover Publications in 1984 this premium quality chrome postcard captures the essence of one of The Corning Museum of Glass's most significant medieval Islamic treasures. The meticulous photographic reproduction reveals every detail of this masterpiece - from its elegant silhouette with bulbous base narrow waist and flared top to the ornate decorative handles projecting gracefully from its sides.

The vase displays the breathtaking artistry for which medieval Islamic glassmakers were renowned worldwide. Elaborate patterns combining calligraphy geometric designs and floral motifs in vibrant colors of gold red blue and green dance across the surface in distinct decorative bands.

A distinctive circular medallion with a striking red cross-like or star pattern adorns the middle section surrounded by exquisite Islamic calligraphy. This remarkable artifact stands as a testament to the unparalleled skill of Islamic glassmakers who perfected enameling techniques that influenced decorative arts throughout the world.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This postcard captures an artifact of extraordinary historical importance - one of the finest examples of Islamic glass production from the early 14th century. Created during the Mamluk period in Damascus Syria around 1320-1330 this vase represents the pinnacle of medieval Islamic decorative arts.

The card's detailed museum description notes that 'Enameling was perfected by Islamic glassmakers' - a recognition of how these artisans revolutionized decorative techniques that would influence European and Asian art for centuries to come. This specific vase (museum accession number 55.1.36) stands 30.2 cm tall and exemplifies the sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities and technical mastery of Damascus workshops.

Syria and particularly Damascus was a renowned center for luxury glass production during this period. These exquisite objects were created for elite patrons and represent a cultural golden age of artistic achievement that was tragically disrupted by later periods of conflict.

When you hold this postcard you're connecting directly with one of humanity's great artistic traditions - a physical link to master craftsmen whose techniques were so advanced they wouldn't be replicated for centuries.

CONDITION

This unused postcard remains in good vintage condition particularly impressive considering it dates back nearly four decades to 1984. The colors remain remarkably vibrant and the image quality is excellent showcasing the vase's intricate details with stunning clarity.

As expected with genuine vintage ephemera approaching 40 years of age the card shows mild age toning/yellowing of the paper that actually enhances its vintage appeal. There is some minor foxing (small brownish spots) visible across the surface - the authentic patina of a true vintage item.

The card features clean unmarked divided back with no writing or postal markings. Slight corner and edge wear is present along with a few small marks or stains consistent with age and careful storage.

Most importantly there are no creases tears or significant damage that would detract from display or collection value. This postcard presents beautifully and would make an excellent addition to any serious collection of Islamic art ephemera museum postcards or decorative arts reference materials.

AGE/ERA

This authentic chrome postcard dates precisely to 1984 as confirmed by the copyright information on the reverse: 'Copyright © 1984 by The Corning Museum of Glass.' This places it firmly in the early 1980s era of high-quality museum publication.

The postcard was published by Dover Publications Inc. of Mineola New York - a publisher renowned for their high-quality art reproductions and educational materials. The presence of ZIP code 11501 in the publisher's address confirms the modern era production.

The card bears the product number '0-486-59455-6' and is designated as 'P.C.—GLASS—ENAMEL/GILT VASE' at the top of the reverse side. These cataloging details make it particularly valuable for collectors who appreciate documented provenance and precise dating.

RARITY

Postcards featuring significant Islamic artifacts from major museum collections have a dedicated and passionate collector base. This specific example has become increasingly difficult to find in good condition as the decades pass.

Dover Publications art postcards from the 1980s are experiencing growing collector interest as they age into true vintage status. Those featuring rare museum pieces with detailed historical information like this extraordinary Damascus vase are particularly sought after by collectors focusing on Islamic art decorative arts history and museum ephemera.

The defined publishing date specific artifact information and the cultural significance of the subject make this card especially valuable to collectors of Islamic art postcards and decorative arts reference materials. As public awareness and appreciation of Islamic artistic traditions continues to grow related ephemera becomes increasingly desirable in the collector market.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE

There is something profoundly moving about holding a tangible connection to both a masterpiece of medieval Islamic art and the museum tradition that preserves such treasures. This postcard represents a physical link to an exquisite 14th-century artifact that you can own display and appreciate daily.

In our increasingly digital world authentic physical ephemera connecting us to museum treasures becomes ever more precious and evocative. Imagine displaying this captivating card alongside other Islamic art references or as part of a collection documenting the evolution of glass art and decorative techniques across cultures.

Each time you look at this postcard you'll be transported back to medieval Damascus and the extraordinary artistic achievements of Islamic glassmakers working at the absolute pinnacle of their craft. This connection to human creative excellence across time and culture makes museum postcards among the most intellectually rewarding categories for the discerning collector.

The detailed documentation on the reverse - providing precise origin dating and museum accession information - makes this postcard particularly valuable as a reference item for serious collectors of Islamic art and decorative arts history.

SHIPPING NOTE

Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I'm happy to combine shipping on any number of postcards to save you money.

This historical postcard will be shipped with utmost care in an archival sleeve between rigid cardboard to ensure it arrives in the same condition you see pictured. I understand the importance of proper handling for cultural ephemera and treat each piece with appropriate conservation standards.

SECURE THIS PIECE OF ISLAMIC ART HISTORY BEFORE IT DISAPPEARS!

Museum postcards documenting significant cultural artifacts continue to vanish into permanent collections each year. Don't miss this opportunity to own a beautiful representation of one of the most extraordinary surviving examples of medieval Islamic glassmaking. As interest in both Islamic decorative arts and vintage ephemera continues to grow these tangible connections to our shared cultural heritage become increasingly difficult to acquire."

 _gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.