Ewer

Art Historical Context

This elegant 13th-century ewer, crafted from stonepaste and glazed, exemplifies the ingenuity of Islamic ceramic traditions. Standing just 7½ inches tall with a diameter of 4¼ inches, it served as a practical vessel for pouring water or rosewater during daily rituals like ablutions or hospitality rites—essential in medieval Islamic culture where cleanliness and generosity were highly valued. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1960 by the de La Bégass, it now resides in the Islamic Art department, offering a tangible link to a vibrant era of artistic innovation. Stonepaste, also known a...