late 11th-early 12th century
Syria
Object qualities
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Objecttableware: Pyxis
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumStonepaste; luster-painted on incised, opaque white glaze
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SizeBowl: H. 8 in. (20.3 cm) Diam. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) Lid: H. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm) Diam. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) Wt. 8.5 oz. (241 g)
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Geography detailsAttributed to
Syria -
Country today
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Datelate 11th-early 12th century
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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This type of copper‑toned lusterware known as Tell Minis ware is named after a village in central Syria where such pieces were found. Syrian potters used minimal amounts of silver and greater amounts of copper in creating luster glazes, thus endowing the luster with a distinct dark coppery hue. A shortage of silver in the region at the time may have caused a change in the luster glaze recipe.