Jar

Art Historical Context

This elegant stone jar, crafted by an unknown artist during the 9th–10th century, exemplifies the refined stoneworking traditions of the Islamic world. 11 inches tall with a generous 12½-inch diameter, it was likely used for storage or ceremonial purposes, its sturdy form highlighting the practicality and beauty of everyday objects in medieval Islamic society. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art department (Rogers Fund, 1936), it invites visitors to ponder the anonymous artisans whose skills bridged utility and artistry. The jar's creation through carving and incising—techniques in...