Fragment of Lid
Unknown Artist
8th–13th century
Medium
Earthenware; molded and glazed
Dimensions
H. 7/8 in. (2.2 cm) W. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm) D. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm) Thickness. 1/4 in. (0.6 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1940
Accession Number
40.170.578
Art Historical Context
This delicate fragment of a lid, crafted from molded and glazed earthenware, hails from the Islamic world between the 8th and 13th centuries—a golden age for ceramic artistry in regions like Iraq, Persia, and Syria. Measuring just under an inch high and about 3.5 inches wide, it once likely capped a small vessel, such as a jar for spices, perfumes, or cosmetics, blending everyday utility with aesthetic elegance. The use of earthenware, a humble yet versatile clay, was elevated through molding techniques that allowed for intricate raised designs—possibly floral, geometric, or calligraphic moti...