Bowl

Art Historical Context

This unassuming earthenware bowl, by an unknown artist in Coptic Egypt between the 4th and 7th centuries, offers glimpse into the daily life of early Christian communities in late antique North Africa. Measuring just 1 7/8 x 5 1/4 inches (4.7 x 13.4 cm), its compact form suggests it was used for serving food or liquids in households, monasteries, or pilgrimage sites. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1925 and now housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Medieval Art Department it exemplifies the humble ceramics that bridged ancient Egyptian traditions with emerging Christian practices. Copti...