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Islamic pottery era started around 622. From 633, Muslim armies moved rapidly toward Byzantine, Persia, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt and later Andalusia.
At the height of its power, the Muslim Empire comprised a great number of quite disparate traditions, as a result little aesthetic or stylistic unity is evident in Islamic decorative arts from its early years. By the late 8th century, however, a style of pottery that became recognized as Islamic had emerged, as is evident in the continuity of motif styles employed across the Empire.
Ceramics from the Islamic era are often divided into three sections:
Early Medieval (622-1200)
Trade links with China were well established by this era and the influence of ceramics from the Tang dynasty can be seen on lustrewares, produced by Mesopotamian potters, and on some early white wares excavated at Samarra (in modern-day Iraq). Ceramics from this period were excavated at Nishapur (in modern-day Iran) and Samarkand (in modern-day Uzbekistan).
The Hispano-Moresque style emerged in Andalusia in the 8th century, under the Fatimids.
Middle (1200-1400)
Ceramic decoration from Song dynasty in China, particularly white porcelain of Dingyao and Yingquin, and green celadons, notably of Zhejiang, all impacted on the style of pottery of this era. Wares, however, were not merely imitative. In striving to perfect their craft, Islamic potters developed wares of their own, such as fritware, as well as many techniques that are still used by modern potters.
Late/Post-medieval (1400-onward)
The influence of Blue and white porcelain of the Yuan and Ming dynasties is evident in ceramics made by Muslim potters. Wares made in Anatolia (in modern-day Turkey) are particularly notable and had major influence on European decorative arts, for example on the 19th century Maiolica from Padua, Italy.
See also
External links
- Islamic Pottery Art review
- The pottery of Islam
- The 8th Research Seminar The history of middle eastern ceramics
- Early Medieval Islamic Pottery The eleventh century reconsidered (PDF document)
- Pottery of the Islamic period On the Karak Plateau
- Examples of Islamic period Pottery Glazed & unglazed Pottery
- Pottery found in Abu Dhabi Emirate Discovery and excavation
"Islamic pottery"