Pyxis (Cylindrical Container)

Unknown

late 11th–early 12th century · Stonepaste; luster-painted on incised, opaque white glaze · Islamic Art

This type of copper‑toned lusterware known as Tell Minis ware is named after a village in central Syria where such pieces were found. Syrian potters used minimal amounts of silver and greater amounts of copper in creating luster glazes, thus endowing the luster with a distinct dark coppery hue. A shortage of silver in the region at the time may have caused a change in the luster glaze recipe.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 11th–early 12th century

Medium

Stonepaste; luster-painted on incised, opaque white glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Harvey and Elizabeth Plotnick Gift, and Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, 1998