Fragments
Unknown Artist
8th–13th century
Medium
Earthenware; slip covered and unglazed
Dimensions
40.170.607a: H. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm) W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm) D. 3 1/16 in. (7.7 cm) Thickness. 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) 40.170.607b: W. 2 in. (5.1 cm) D. 11/16 in. (1.8 cm) Thickness. 1/8 in. (0.3 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1940
Accession Number
40.170.607a, b
Art Historical Context
These delicate earthenware fragments, dating from the 8th to 13th century, offer a glimpse into the everyday artistry of the Islamic world. Part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic collection (acquired through the Rogers Fund in 0), they measure just a few inches across—piece 40.170.607a stands about 3½ inches high, while 40.170.607b is even smaller—highlighting the precision required in ancient ceramic production. Crafted from earthenware, a fired clay body common in early Islamic pottery, these pieces were coated with slip—a liquid clay mixture applied before firing to create a smoo...