Fragment

Art Historical Context

This delicate ceramic fragment, dating from the 13th to 16th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated world of Islamic art. Crafted from stonepaste—a composite material of quartz, clay, and frit developed by artisans in the Islamic world—this piece exemplifies a technical innovation that mimicked the prized porcelain of China while allowing for vibrant, durable designs. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art department, it was generously gifted by Jack A. Josephson in 1973. The artwork's medium shines through its painted decoration under a transparent glaze, a masterful techni...