Bowl
Unknown Artist
10th century
Medium
Earthenware; reddish body, purplish slip, white slip decoration under greenish glaze
Dimensions
H. 1 15/16 in. (4.8 cm) W. 6 in. (15.2 cm) D. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm) Wt. 4.4 oz. (125 g)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1940
Accession Number
40.170.301
Art Historical Context
This charming 10th-century earthen bowl, hailing from the Islamic world, exemplifies the refined artistry of medieval ceramics. Standing just under 2 inches tall and spanning 6 inches wide, its reddish body is enhanced by purplish slip and intricate white slip decoration, all sealed beneath a shimmering greenish glaze. Such modest dimensions and lightweight form (4.4 ounces) suggest it served as practical tableware, yet its luminous surface elevates it to a treasured artifact. In the Islamic tradition, slipware techniques like these—applying colored slips for decorative motifs before glazing—...