Fragment of a Bowl or Cup
Unknown Artist
13th–16th century
Medium
Stonepaste; painted under transparent glaze
Dimensions
H. 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm) W. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm) D. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm) Wt. 2.2 oz. (62.376 g)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Jack A. Josephson, 1973
Accession Number
1973.79.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate fragment from a bowl or cup, dating to the 13th–16th century, offers a glimpse into the refined world of Islamic ceramics. Crafted in stonepaste composite material of quartz, clay, and frit developed by artisans in the Islamic world—this small piece (just over 1 inch high) exemplifies the ingenuity of medieval potters. Stonepaste allowed for thin, translucent bodies that mimicked prized Chinese porcelain, making elegant tableware accessible beyond elite circles. Adorned with painted floral motifs under a transparent glaze, the fragment highlights a hallmark technique of the era....