Author
Unknown
Publication Date
1200
Publication Place
Kashan (made) -
Subject
Ceramics
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Diameter: 37cm, Height: 606cm
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
ME.117-2019
Record ID
ME.117-2019
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1200
Notes
Throughout the Islamic period, Middle Eastern potters were challenged by the superior wares imported from China. One response was the invention of fritware, also called stone paste and quartz paste. In fritware, the main ingredient was fine quartz powder made by grinding sand or pebbles. Small quantities of white clay and a glassy substance known as frit were added â the clay to give plasticity, the frit to bind the body after firing. Unlike high-fired Chinese porcelain, low-fired fritware was soft and porous, but like porcelain it was white all the way through and could be used to make convincing substitutes. In the 12th and early 13th centuries, fritware was used in Kashan and other centres in Iran to produce fine wares decorated in an astonishing range of styles. The Kashan pottersâ mastery of both fritware and the lustre technique is illustrated by this large dish. The figure, a servant offering a piece of food, stands out boldly against the pattern because it is surrounded by a solid band of lustre.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Fritware with lustre decoration Fritware Lustre-Painted
Fiziksel açıklama
Large fritware dish lustre-painted in the 'transitional monumental' style with a depiction of a seated woman proffering a lemon amidst dense scrollwork and cartouches with abstract designs.
Üslup
Islamic
