Egypt, Fustat (Old Cairo), Fatimid period (909–1171) / 1000s
Luster Bowl with Antelope
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Luster Bowl with Antelope as ceramic (Egypt, Fustat (Old Cairo), Fatimid period (909–1171) · 1000s).
The luster technique was transmitted by Iraqi potters to the Fatimid court in Cairo.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as earthenware with luster-painted design.
The museum's collection notes: The production of lusterware flourished in the prosperous Fatimid court in Cairo. The technique used metal oxides to paint designs onto a ceramic vessel. It was expensive and unpredictable but, if done correctly, would create a glistening effect. Fatimid lusterware motifs are quite varied, drawing on Greek and Christian themes, floral and vegetal designs, and a menagerie of animals. Some scenes focus on a single creature, as is the case with the antelope on this dish, while others evoke courtly themes of hunting or banquets.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtLuster Bowl with AntelopeOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.