Dish
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Earthenware; glazed
Dimensions
H. 2 in. (5.1 cm) Diam. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund 1966
Accession Number
66.107.2
Art Historical Context
This elegant 17th-century dish, crafted from glazed earthenware, exemplifies the refined ceramic traditions of the Islamic world. Measuring just 2 inches high and 8⅜ inches in diameter, its shallow, wide form suggests it was designed for serving sweets, fruits, or spiced delicacies at communal meals—a staple of daily life in Ottoman, Safavid, or Mughal households. The glossy glaze not only sealed the porous earthenware body for practical use but also provided a smooth canvas for vibrant colors and intricate patterns, though the subtle patina of time now highlights its enduring craftsmanship. ...