Fragmentary Ewer with Polychrome Luster Decoration
Unknown Artist
9th century
Medium
Earthenware; polychrome luster-painted on opaque white glaze
Dimensions
Max. H. 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm) Max. Diam. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm) Diam. of Rim: 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Charlotte M. Bradford, in memory of Professor Ernst Herzfeld, 1954
Accession Number
54.71.1
Art Historical Context
This exquisite fragmentary ewer, dating to the 9th century, offers a glimpse into the golden of Islamic ceramics during theid era. Crafted from earthenware and adorned with polychrome luster over an opaque white glaze, once served as a elegant vessel for pouring liquids, its graceful form evoking the luxury of contemporary metalwork. Though incomplete, its maximum height of nearly 12 inches hints at a substantial, functional object prized for both utility and beauty in medieval Islamic households. The standout feature is the innovative luster-painting technique, where metallic oxides were app...