Tankard in Imitation of Metalwork Form

Art Historical Context

This exquisite tankard, crafted in the last quarter of the 16 century, exemplifies the ingenuity of Islamic ceramic artists who mastered stonepaste—a fine, white fritware body that mimicked the sheen of porcelain and luxury metals. Standing at 7⅝ inches tall with a sturdy handle, its form deliberately imitates ornate metalwork vessels, a clever technique that made opulent designs accessible to a broader audience. Produced under transparent glaze with vibrant polychrome paints, the tankard reveals the advanced underglaze painting methods honed in Islamic workshops, particularly in regions like ...