The Importance of Ceramics : MET Summary

     I read an article titled, The Importance of Ceramics from the MET. This discussed ceramics in the pre-Islamic period. At the beginning of this period, ceramics were only used for utilitarian purposes (storing water and food, transporting goods, cooking) (par.1). Over time, ceramics became more appealing as luxury products (par.1).This is thought to be because Muslim men were prohibited from using gold vessels (par.1).  

    The article also includes information on Chinese stoneware and connects it to the Near East. The Chinese vessels are described as “elegant and durable”, as they were made mainly of porcelain (par.2).  Porcelain needs to be fired at an “extremely high temperature” (par.2). These materials were not available in the Near East, however; people wanted to imitate the look of Chinese poetry. The article mentions,  “Iraqi potters invented ways to imitate the smooth white surface of Chinese ceramics” (par.2). They did this by covering their local clay with white slip. They then decorated it with designs in blue to emulate Chinese porcelain (par.2).

     I find it very interesting to see different parts of the world emulating work from other areas. It shows that we are connected as people and artists. It is also proof that people draw inspiration from others. It is important to understand different cultures and see how ceramics relates to different areas around the world.

Here is an example of a pen rest made by a Muslin patron living in China.

Fig. 48. Brush rest with Arabic inscription, early 16th century. China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Porcelain painted with cobalt blue under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware); L. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Rogers Fund, 1918 (18.56.14)

Source:

https://www.metmuseum.org/learn/educators/curriculum-resources/art-of-the-islamic-world/unit-seven/chapter-one/the-importance-of-ceramics#