Bath Scraper

Unknown

12th–13th century · Earthenware; unglazed, molded in relief · Islamic Art

This flat object, molded on one side, was used in the public bath (hammam). The opposite side, which is coarse due to the siliceous fragments in the clay, would be used to rub the skin. The number of bath scrapers which have survived display a wide variety of decorative motifs.Prolonged exposure to water and steam in a hammam’s hot rooms loosens dead skin and forces impurities out of the body, which are then wiped or scrubbed away with any number of exfoliating implements, such as a mitt or sponge. A group of ceramic scrapers similar to this one are believed to come from Iran. Their decoration includes a variety of animal, floral, and geometric patterns, suggesting customers could select their own designs.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th–13th century

Medium

Earthenware; unglazed, molded in relief

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1926