Storage Jar

Art Historical Context

This 7th-century storage jar, crafted from unglazed earthenware and adorned with painted motifs, stands as a fine example of early Islamic ceramics from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art collection. Measuring nearly 20 inches tall with a wide body and sturdy foot, it was designed for practical use—likely storing grains, oils, or other goods in households or markets—while its decorative surface elevated it to an object of beauty. The unpainted clay's natural buff tone provided a warm canvas for the artist's slip-painted designs, a technique where liquid clay was applied before firing...