Used in daily contexts and ceremonial spaces alike, Islamic ceramics of the medieval period furnished life with function and flourish.
In the medieval Islamic world, clay-based ceramics were widespread. Besides oil lamps, cups, flasks, bowls, and other drinking and dining vessels, ceramic was used to make wall revetments and architectural elements such as muqarnas (stalactite niches). These many ceramic objects include decorative elements such as vegetal and animal motifs, inscriptions in Arabic and other Islamic languages, and luster glaze or enameling. Their pigments sometimes tend toward olive green in emulation of expensive Chinese celadon porcelains that include depictions of fish (yu)—a Chinese homophone for, and symbol of, wealth and abundance.
Architectural Revetment Tile with Rabbit Motif
Glazed luster-painted ceramic
Early 14th century CE
Iran. Alexander G. Ruthven bequest, 1971. KM 1971.1.48
Bowl with Bird and Inscription Design
Luster-painted ceramic
11th century CE
Iraq, Syria, or Egypt. Purchase from Phocion Tano, 1935. KM 29964
Tile Mosaic Muqarnas Fragment
Glazed ceramic in plaster
13th century CE
Konya, Turkey. Burton Y. Berry/Research Seminary in Islamic Art gift, 1940. KM 80070
Base of a Bowl Decorated with Two Fish
Glazed ceramic
14th century CE
Fustat (medieval Cairo), Egypt. ARCE excavations, 1968. KM 1968.3.52
Fragment of Tile Mosaic with Garden Motifs
Glazed ceramic in stonepaste
16th century CE
Iran. Kelsey Museum collection. KM T2007.34
Oil Lamp with Multiple Spouts
Glazed ceramic
12th–13th centuries CE
Fustat (medieval Cairo), Egypt. ARCE excavations, 1969. KM 1969.2.162a
Oil Lamp in the Shape of a Saucer
Glazed ceramic
13th–15th centuries CE
Fustat (medieval Cairo), Egypt. ARCE excavations, 1970. KM 1970.4.423
