Fragment of a Bowl

Art Historical Context

This delicate fragment of a bowl, to the 14th–15th, offers a glimpse into the refined world of Islamic ceramics. Crafted from earthenware, it features incised decoration carved through a white slip—a technique known as sgraffito—revealing the underlying clay body. Vibrant coloring was then applied before a transparent glaze sealed the surface, creating a luminous,-like effect that was prized in the Islamic world. Produced during a golden age of pottery production across regions like Persia, Syria, and Egypt, such bowls were everyday objects elevated to art through masterful craftsmanship. The white slip and glaze mimicked costly porcelain from China, showcasing Islamic potters' ingenuity in adapting and innovating techniques. Though only a fragment (measuring 2 13/16 in. high, 7 1/16 in. long, and 4 7/8 in. wide), it hints at intricate motifs—likely floral or geometric—that symbolized paradise gardens and cosmic order in Islamic culture. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1913 and housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art department, this piece underscores the technical sophistication and aesthetic beauty of medieval Islamic artisans, bridging utility and artistry for both palace and home.