Topic: Chalcedony like posy vase - perhaps from Hebron

[glassobsessed]

I don't think this small vase (13cm) has any age at all as there is absolutely no wear to the base. It looks similar to items made in Hebron:

http://bethtib.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/img_6934_sm.jpg
and
http://jerusalemjourney.global2.vic.edu.au/files/2012/06/Phonician-Glass-x6t2gu.jpg

My small collection of modern repros of old glass has now got a new addition.

John

[Ivo]

Correct. Azaz-al-khalili, from Hebron.

[glassobsessed]

Excellent, thanks Ivo.

[chopin-liszt]

Does anybody know if there is an artist called Ahmed Fouad working there?

I bought a couple of pieces in Augsberg a few years ago of chalcedony-like glass by Ahmed Fouad. They just have sticky labels, with his name and Alexandria (and Handarbeit) written on the label. I have searched the net in vain looking for him.
(it would appear it's like looking for a single "John Smith", only knowing he lives in London)

[Ivo]

Alexandria is in Egypt though - so there may not be a relation.

[chopin-liszt]

The similarity in the work is striking.
He may have moved - or have a lot of "relations"!
On the other hand, Chalcedony is an ancient technique - perhaps updated incorporating the use of silver chloride. 

[Ivo]

There is a glass making tradition on the west bank which goes back thousands of years, and it is related in style to glass making in Syria and in Alexandria.  In recent years the west bank suffers from unavailability of raw materials due to restrictive policies of the occupying forces (try & sound objective and impartial on this subject - you cannot win!) so the range is somewhat limited to recycled glass and makeshift chemistry. Still it is amazing what they manage to produce.