Ewer
Unknown Artist
late 15th century
Medium
Stonepaste; painted in blue under transparent glaze
Dimensions
H. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) W. 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) D. 5 3/16 in. (13.2 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1969
Accession Number
69.13
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite late 15th-centurywer, crafted by an unknown artist, exemplifies the refined artistry of Islamic ceramics. Standing just 5½ inches tall, this petite vessel—likely used for pouring water in daily rituals or hospitality—was fashioned from stonepaste, a composite material developed in the Islamic world to imitate the translucency of Chinese porcelain. Its slender form, with a height of 14 cm and of 13.2 cm, invites the viewer to appreciate its delicate proportions, perfect for a graceful hand. The ewers's surface is adorned with ducks painted in vibrant blue under a transparent gla...