This is not glass. This 11th century Fatimid ewer was made from a single block of rock crystal, one of the hardest minerals to carve. There are seven similar ewers in existence. [1788×2696]

**Some additional information:**

This is one of seven rock crystal ewers from 11th century Cairo. They were highly prestigious objects, carved for the courts of the Fatimid caliphs. They are decorated with flowery patterns and wild animals, and some have inscriptions dedicated to their patrons. Though other rock crystal objects were made by the Fatimids, the unparalleled quality and rich detail of these particular ewers have earned them the nickname “The Magnificent Seven.” [You can read more about them here.](https://simerg.com/2015/07/29/professor-jeremy-johns-of-oxford-on-the-magnificent-seven-the-great-fatimid-rock-crystal-ewers-carved-for-the-fatimid-imams/)

Making such a ewer was a monumental task, as rock crystal is comparable to granite in hardness but far more brittle. The initial cavity was made using a tubular drill, and the crystal was hollowed out using a hard abrasive powder – possibly with corundum or diamond. Some of the ewers have walls as thin as 2-5mm.

It’s hard to work because it has a grain. Cutting against it can cause it to crack and chip.

This one is now housed at the Palazzo Pitti in Florence.