Fragment of a Bowl

Art Historical Context

This delicate fragment of a bowl, crafted in the 13th century, offers a glimpse into the refined world of Islamic ceramics. Made from earthenware and adorned with underglaze painting technique where pigments are applied to the unfired clay body before a transparent glaze is added—this small piece (just 1¾ inches high and 5 inches) survives as a testament to everyday artistry in the medieval Islamic world. Likely part of a larger vessel used for food or water, its fragmented state highlights the fragility of such objects over centuries. Underglaze painting emerged as a hallmark innovation in 1...