Gaming Piece

Art Historical Context

This delicate glass gaming piece, dating possibly to the 8th–12th, hails from the Islamic world and exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of medieval artisans. Crafted from glass—a medium in which Islamic workshops excelled—this small object was likely used in popular board games like backgam (known as *nard* in Arabic), a pastime enjoyed across social classes from Baghdad to Cordoba. Its survival speaks to the durability of glass, often molded or blown into vibrant, functional forms that blended utility with subtle artistry. In the Islamic Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ...