Bowl

Art Historical Context

This elegant 13th-century stonepaste bowl, hailing from the Islamic world, exemplifies the masterful ceramics of the medieval Middle East. Standing just under 5 inches tall with a generous 7⅜-inch diameter, its shallow form and luminous turquoise glaze invite everyday use while showcasing artistic refinement. The stonepaste body—a finely ground mixture of quartz, clay, and frit—allowed artisans to create a durable, porcelain-like surface that was translucent and ideal for intricate designs painted beneath the glaze before firing. Developed in the 12th-13th centuries, particularly in regions l...