Fragment of a Luster Dish

Unknown

11th–12th century · Stonepaste; glazed and luster-painted with scratches on the luster · Islamic Art

This fragment attributed to Syria shows an opacified turquoise glaze painted in a greenish-gold luster. In addition to a scalloped decoration on the rim, floral motifs appear on the interior of the vessel. As occurs frequently on 11th century luster wares manufactured in Egypt and Syria, the decoration is further enhanced by a wavy line scratched away from the luster, a technique that was abandoned in later productions. The fragment came to the Museum as early as 1913, before the establishment of a dedicated department of Islamic Art.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th–12th century

Medium

Stonepaste; glazed and luster-painted with scratches on the luster

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1913