Cleveland Museum of Art

Luster Bowl with Antelope

Date

1000s

Medium

earthenware with luster-painted design

Culture

Egypt, Fustat (Old Cairo), Fatimid period (909–1171)

Department

Islamic Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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. The luster technique was transmitted by Iraqi potters to the Fatimid court in Cairo.

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