Water Pipe Base

Unknown

17th century · Stonepaste; painted in blue and incised under colorless glaze with copper fittings · Islamic Art

The technique of frit-carving was popular in the 12th century and experienced a revival in the 17th century. This involved covering the entire vessel in a thick layer of frit (in this case, blue), carving through to the white composite body, and finally covering the ware in a transparent glaze. The blue frit on this water pipe base (qalian), is reminiscent of the color on a type made in the kilns of Iznik, Ottoman Turkey. The serrated saz-shaped leaf forms also bear reference to Ottoman forms, while the lotus-flower leaves are traditionally Chinese. The metal attachments to this kalian are later additions, added in order to protect the vulnerable projecting segments.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Stonepaste; painted in blue and incised under colorless glaze with copper fittings

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1975