Bowl Fragment
Unknown Artist
4th–7th century
Medium
Stone
Dimensions
Overall: 2 15/16 x 3 1/16 x 7/8 in. (7.4 x 7.7 x 2.3 cm)
Classification
Miscellaneous-Stone
Culture
Coptic
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1925
Accession Number
25.10.24.42
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate stone bowl fragment, dating to the 4th–7th century, offers a glimpse into the daily life of Coptic Egypt, a vibrant Christian culture that flourished along the Nile during the transition from the late Roman to early Islamic eras. Crafted from stone—a durable medium prized for its longevity in the harsh desert environment—this small artifact (just under 3 inches across) served a practical purpose, such as holding food, oils, or ritual offerings in households or monasteries. Its survival as a fragment speaks to the resilience of Coptic craftsmanship, where everyday objects were oft...