Two-Spouted Vessel with a Lid

Unknown

12th century · Stonepaste; luster-painted on opaque white glaze · Islamic Art

This object belongs to a group of ceramics known as Tell Minis ware, based on the alleged find spot of a hoard in the eponymous village, located between Hama and Aleppo. However, there is no evidence to suggest that Tell Minis wares were manufactured in that village, and recent analyses suggest that this type of ware was produced in multiple centers in Syria rather than a single workshop or town. Typical of Tell Minis wares, the body of the ceramic is composed of fine white stonepaste, distinguishable from the coarser, darker fabric of Raqqa ware. It also has characteristically thin walls, crackling glaze, and copper-red (now brown) luster paint. This vessel has an unusual profile in that it includes two spouts. The outer and inner neck of the vessel is decorated with an inscription in pseudo-kufic script.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th century

Medium

Stonepaste; luster-painted on opaque white glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art and The Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation Inc. Gift, 2009