The art of the Seljuk era is a part of the Islamic era that dates back to the time when this dynasty ruled Central Asian, Iran and Anatolia. As Seljuks entered Iran in 12th century A.D., they brought about prosperity for various types of arts such as glassmaking. Cities such as Neyshabur, Gorgan, Rey and Saveh were active in the field of making or trading glassware. Two methods were used to shape the glass of the Seljuk ear namely free-blown and mold-blown methods. Vessels made through the mold-blown method were decorated by delicate decorating cut or adding some items. The type of cut was mainly the linear one and the surface cut was less common. Compared to the ones made previously, the quality of the glass made during the Seljuk era was higher.
During the rule of the Seljuks and before the invasion of Mongols, some fantastic glass vessels were produced at glassware kilns of Gorgan that were as thin as papers. They were enameled, cut or carved out. The glassware art experienced some great innovations and inventions in terms of manufacture and colorful decoration during this period.
Technically-speaking, free-blown and mold-blown techniques were prevalent during this period. As the type and composition of molds underwent transformation, more intricate and diverse designs were marked on the glassware.
Various decorations such as the added-motifs that are considered as one type of the warm status of glass were so common during this period. The first glassware bearing some gilded decorations appeared at this age. The gilded material added to the glass were usually for creating reddish and brownish colors that were added to the colorless glass.
Generally-speaking, artefacts of this period are a result of intermingling different civilizations in Iran such as Byzantine Empire, Parthian and Sassanians. Forms made during this period are diverse in terms of types of design and coloration. Compared to previous periods, glassware of this period were bigger in size.
Vessels such as cups, glasses, and cressets were added to the glassware art over this era. Other items such cressets, chalices, special pharmaceutical vessels, medical instruments, laboratory tools and pouncet boxes were so common during this period and older forms with more proportionality and symmetry gained more diversity. Decorations added on these artefacts were so diversified and luxurious. Some luxurious decorations such as enameling and gilded glazing were added to the glassware during Seljuk period and various forms were made in terms of design and decoration.
Cut-based decorations of the glassware rose to its peak over this period and skillful works such as curved and Islamic lines were added to these items, too. The enameling decorations took its first steps and just some basis items were made. Plant designs on the glassware included flowers, fruits such as apples and grapes, leaves, buds, and tendrils. Additionally, plant designs were accompanied by animal, geometric and script designs. Designs were applied on practical vessels. In terms of plant designs, flowers were at the center of attention of the Seljuk artisans. Some common designs of this period included tetramerous flowers inside squares and circles with petals like drops of water, oval-shaped designs, and small disorganized triangles and circles. Additionally, some circle designs were seen whose arrangements formed shapes of flowers as well as petals, astral designs and other designs at the bottom of these vessels as abstract flowers and/or close to forms of natural flowers. The second most common design used on glassware were designs of leaves including palm tree leaves with various diverse forms, zigzag-shaped leaves and tripetalous leaves.