Bowl
Unknown Artist
4th–7th century
Medium
Earthenware
Dimensions
Overall: 1 5/8 x 3 1/16 in. (4.2 x 7.8 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture
Coptic
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1925
Accession Number
25.10.20.299
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate earthenware bowl, crafted by an unknown Coptic artist between the 4th and 7th centuries, offers a glimpse into everyday life in early Christian Egypt. Measuring just 1 5/8 x 3 1/16 inches (4.2 x 7.8 cm), its modest size suggests it was likely used for small portions of food or drink in a household setting. Earthenware, made from low-fired clay, a practical medium for Coptic potters, valued for its affordability and durability in the Nile Valley's arid climate. Coptic culture emerged as Egypt transitioned from pharaonic traditions to Christianity under Roman and Byzantine rule. T...