Bowl
Unknown Artist
12th–13th century
Medium
Stonepaste; incised, glazed
Dimensions
H. 2 in. (5.1 cm) Diam. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm) Wt. 4.6 oz. (130.4 g)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1921
Accession Number
21.26.7
Art Historical Context
This elegant stonepaste bowl, crafted by an unknown artist in the th–13th century exemplifies the refined ceramics of the Islamic world. just 2 inches high and 5⅛ inches in diameter, modest size belies its sophisticated design, making it ideal for daily use in affluent households—perhaps for serving sweets, fruits, or beverages during communal meals. Stonepaste, also known as fritware, a groundbreaking Islamic innovation blending quartz, clay, and glass frit, fired to create a durable, porcelain-like body that could withstand glazing without cracking. Here, the surface features incised decora...