Ceramic Fragment
Unknown Artist
13th–16th century
Medium
Stonepaste; painted under transparent glaze
Dimensions
H. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm) W. 3 in. (7.6 cm) D. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm) Wt. 1.8 oz. (51 g)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Jack A. Josephson, 1973
Accession Number
1973.79.20
Art Historical Context
This delicate ceramic fragment, hailing from the Islamic world between the 13th and 16th centuries, offers a glimpse into the exquisite craftsmanship of medieval potters. Likely part of a larger vessel such as a bowl or dish, its small size—standing just 3/4 inch high and weighing a mere 1.8 ounces—belies its cultural depth. Produced during a golden age of Islamic art, spanning the Ilkhanid, Timurid, and early Safavid in regions like Iran or Central Asia, such pieces were everyday luxuries in palaces and homes, reflecting the era's blend of utility and beauty. Crafted from stonepaste (also kn...