Fragment of a Bowl

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Fragment of a Bowl*, to the 14th–15th century, offers a glimpse into the golden age of Islamic ceramics from the Middle East, likely Iran or Syria. Crafted during a period of cultural flourishing under dynasties like the Timurids, such pieces were everyday vessels elevated to art through masterful craftsmanship. Though only a fragment survives, it exemplifies the sophistication of Islamic potters who rivaled Chinese porcelain in translucency durability. The medium—stonepaste (or fritware), a composite of quartz, clay, and glass frit—created a white, porcelain-like body ideal f...