Islamic glassmakers were as talented as their ancestors had been under Roman occupation working with hot glass, as seen in this beautiful cobalt blue glass lid. Stunning mold-blown glassworks like this masterpiece formed a portion of the works of art created in the glasshouses of the Islamic Near East during this period of time. Particularly talented at designing intricately patterned motifs, the Islamic artists embellished even the most functional of objects with a linear beauty and tactile quality that is unsurpassed in its ability to please the senses. This handsome lid is no exception. Its curving and dotted frieze of abstract decoration dances delightfully around the upraised center of the lid, while the colored patina of time plays with the light and shadow of the original rich blue glass. We can imagine how stunning the vessel must have been that originally rested beneath this exquisite glass lid. Even though it is forever lost in time, we are most fortunate to experience a portion of the creativity that flowed from the glassblowing tubes of the ancient Near East.