Vase
Unknown Artist
first half 17th century
Medium
Stonepaste; underglaze painted and glazed
Dimensions
H. 19 1/2 in. (49.5 cm) Max Diam. 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Accession Number
91.1.139a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant vase, crafted in the first half of the17th century, exemplifies refined ceramics of the Islamic world, likely from Persia or the Ottoman realms. Standing at 19½ inches tall with a generous 16¼-inch diameter, its stonepaste body—a composite of quartz, clay, and frit—provided a durable, porcelain-like surface prized by artisans who lacked access to true Chinese porcelain. underglaze painting technique, where pigments are applied beneath a transparent glaze before firing, ensured vibrant, long-lasting colors that have endured for centuries. Adorned with motifs of animals and flowers...