Fatimid Enamelled Glassware

Timeline

1. c. 970–1000Cairo · CairoAfter the Fatimids moved their capital to Cairo, the court established glassmaking workshops, inheriting and developing West Asian glass traditions and beginning to form a decorative glass production system characteristic of the dynasty.
2. 1001–1120Cairo and Fustat craft districts · CairoThe 11th to early 12th century was the peak of Fatimid glass production, with mature lustre and enamel painting techniques, exquisite forms, and intricate decoration; products served court gifts, religious use, and export trade, with many fine pieces surviving from around 1111–1120.
3. 1171–1301Egypt · EgyptAfter the Fatimid dynasty ended, the court workshop system collapsed, but glassmaking techniques partly continued in the Mamluk period; surviving Fatimid glass became treasured in major museums and influenced later Islamic glass aesthetics.