Small Lobed Bowl

Art Historical Context

This exquisite Small Lobed Bowl, from rock crystal in the 9–10th century, the pinnacle of Islamic artistry during the medieval period. Carved using the demanding relief-cut technique—where intricate designs are incised into the hard, translucent quartz—the bowl features a lobed, scalloped rim that evokes the organic forms of lotus petals or pomegranates, common motifs in Islamic decorative arts. Measuring 5 inches high and inches in diameter, its generous size suggests it was a luxury item, perhaps used for displaying fruit, confections, or as a ceremonial vessel in elite households. Rock cr...