Bowl

Art Historical Context

The bowl’s interior reveals a lively composition centered on a circular medallion enclosing a seated figure, possibly a woman, surrounded by swirling forms. Radiating outward are eight wedge-shaped panels filled with leaping animals, birds, and intricate geometric lattices, all rendered in shimmering golden-brown tones against a lighter ground. The over-glaze luster technique on stonepaste produces the metallic sheen that catches the light across the surface. Created by an unknown artist in the 12th–13th century, this stonepaste bowl with over-glaze luster painting belongs to the rich tradition of Islamic ceramics. Such vessels often combined figural and animal motifs with abstract patterns, reflecting the period’s refined aesthetic and technical skill. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Rogers Fund in 1920, the piece offers visitors a glimpse into the everyday artistry of medieval Islamic culture.