Fragment of an Ewer

Art Historical Context

This delicate fragment from an ewer, dating to the 9th–11th, offers a glimpse into the refined ceramic traditions of the early Islamic world. Ewers like this were practical vessels, likely used for pouring water during ablutions or daily rituals, embodying the blend of utility and artistry in Abbasid-era households. Though only a portion survives—measuring 4 3/4 inches high and 5 3/4 inches in diameter hints at the original object's graceful form, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Islamic Art Department, acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1940. Crafted from unglazed earthenware wi...