Bowl with geometric decoration

This bowl is an early example of what are termed “lusterware.” The creation of this type of decoration required a sophisticated double-firing process. First, a white glaze background was applied and the piece fired in a high-temperature kiln. Next, designs and figures were painted in glazes containing metal oxides (usually copper and/or silver). The piece was then fired a second time in a low-temperature reducing (oxygen-poor) kiln. The absence of oxygen made the metallic oxides fuse with the surface. The result was a metallic finish that was highly prized. This technique originated in Iraq and Egypt and is an achievement unique to Islamic culture. In the 1400s the technique made its way to Europe, where it was often applied to glass.

The eight-pointed star pattern on this bowl is a very early example of what was later a popular motif.