Iran, Seljuq period (1037–1194) / 1170–1200
Luster Dish with Polo Player
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Luster Dish with Polo Player as ceramic (Iran, Seljuq period (1037–1194) · 1170–1200).
Where fine clay was unavailable, potters made a paste out of ground quartz, clay, and glass. When fired, the paste created a compact white material called fritware that approximated the appearance of porcelain.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as fritware with luster-painted design.
The museum's collection notes: Luster potters migrated to the city of Kashan in Iran where luster ware reached its greatest height during the 1170s until about 1220. This masterful dish features a mounted polo player, a figure representing the Iranian ideal of beauty with a round moon-like face and fine features.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtLuster Dish with Polo PlayerOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.