Ceramics of the Islamic World

9th-10th Century A.D. (800-1000 A.D.)

A Brief Overview of Ceramic Traditions in Iraq, Iran, Egypt and

Spain

James Bennett, Session 1

Islamic Ceramic Traditions from Spain and Sanisera

• Western Islamic World and the Different Tradition

• Continuation of Early Forms

Islamic Ceramics from Sanisera

Islamic Ceramic Traditions from Iraq

• The Decadence of the Abassid Caliphates

• Adaption of Greco-Roman Ceramic Models

Some of the Main Wares of the Iraqi Potters

Yellow and Green Splashed Ware

Ahmolean Mus. EA1956.56 Ashmolean Mus. EA 1956.35 Ashmolean Mus. EA 1956.89

Ashmolean Mus. EA 2005.40

Iraqi Lusterware

Ashmolean Mus. EAP.2684Ashmolean Mus. EA 2005.32

Ashmolean Mus. EA1956.66

Iraqi Lusterware and other Designs

Ashmolean Mus. EA1968.94 Ashmolean Mus. EA1978.2146

Iraqi Ceramics and Faith Inscriptions

• Baraka li-sahibih (Blessings to its owner)• Al-mulk li-llah (Dominion belongs to God)

• May you eat from this dish with satisfaction and beauty

• Potters signatures

Islamic Ceramics of Iran

• Sassanid Dynasty Continuation of Ancient Traditions (224-651 A.D.)

• Influence of the Abassid Caliphates of Iraq

South West Iranian Tradition

• Abassid influence from Samarra (Iraq)

Case Study of Susa

• Glazed Ceramics- Bowls, Monochrome green, turquoise , blue , yellow.

• Lusterware, bi-chrome and monochrome

North Easter Iranian Ceramic Traditions

• Local Forms

• Abassid Influence

Case Study of Nishapur

• Locally Produced forms

• Decorative forms

Nishapur 9th-10th Century A.D.

Examples of Islamic Ceramics from Iran

North East Tradition Psuedo-InscriptionAshmolean Mus. EA 2005.40

Ashmolean Mus. EA 1956.91

Ashmolean Mus. EA 1995.99Ashmolean Mus. EA 1956.182

Ashmolean Mus. EA 1967.183 Ashmolean Mus. EA 1978.1759

Ashmolean Mus. EA.2005.31 Ashmolean Mus. EA 2005.33.

Examples of Islamic Ceramics from Iran

Examples of Islamic Ceramics from Iran

Ashmolean Mus. EA2005.42 Ashmolean Mus. EA 1956.62

Ashmolean Mus. EA2005.30

Islamic Ceramic Traditions of Egypt

• Introduction of Ceramic Glaze 700 A.D.

• Vessel Decoration and Designs

UC25420 UC25425 UC50650

UC50649

Egyptian Stamped Decoration and Plain Wares

Ashmolean Mus. EA1974.34

9th century Stamped Decoration