Cup with Running Ibexes

Unknown

second half 12th century · Stonepaste; incised decoration through black slip ground under turquoise glaze ("silhouette ware") · Islamic Art

To create "silhouette ware," an object of white clay is covered with a special black slip made with the mineral chromite. The slip is carefully removed or incised to create an image. After an initial firing, the vessel is dipped into a transparent turquoise glaze and fired again. In addition to creating a striking color contrast, this overglaze saturates the chromite slip, transforming it from a matte gray brown into an intense black.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 12th century

Medium

Stonepaste; incised decoration through black slip ground under turquoise glaze ("silhouette ware")

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1967