Artwork Page for Dish with Splashes of Green

Details / Information for Dish with Splashes of Green

Dish with Splashes of Green

830–900

Iraq, Basra, Abbasid period

(750–1258)
Medium
Earthenware with overglaze design
Measurements
Diameter: 30.2 cm (11 7/8 in.); Overall: 1.3 cm (1/2 in.)
Credit Line
The Worcester R. Warner Collection 1915.304
Public Domain
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Location
116 Islamic
Print

Description

This dish displays two great technological advances of the 800s: the invention of opaque white glaze made with tin (imitating Chinese porcelain) and painting in cobalt blue. The blue paint was sometimes used to decorate the center of the bowl with floral and geometric designs, as seen here, or to write Arabic inscriptions offering blessings and well wishes. The green splashes around the rim reflect a popular color choice at the time. The splash effect was made by placing green glaze at the edge of the rim and then allowing it to run toward the center of the dish.
A circular earthenware dish features a crackled off-white glaze. In the center, a blue, yellow, and green geometric pattern forms a six-pointed star surrounded by petal-like circles and leaf motifs. Four bold, dark green splashes mark the flat rim at cardinal points, each containing vertical brushstrokes. Fine cracks spiderweb across the shallow surface, lending an aged texture that contrasts with the vibrant, symmetrical design.

Dish with Splashes of Green

830–900

Iraq, Basra, Abbasid period (750–1258)

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