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I find it interesting that so much of the traditional ceramics of Europe have roots in Islamic pottery. From the science of making the tiles to the designs on the ceramic ware, Islam is a constant influence. In reading the article, The Art of Islamic Pottery by Ernst J. Grube, Associate Curator in Charge of Islamic Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grube discusses the use of tin oxide and "Luster Painting." Of most importance is the innovation of "luster painting." Luster painting is achieved through mixing a compound and adhering to the ceramics after the glaze fire. Therefore, a third firing in the kiln takes place for this process to occur. The use of luster painting is most popular in Iraq, specifically, Baghdad and Samarra.
Further concepts that are unique to Islamic pottery are the style in which they decorated their ceramic ware. The artists of Islam took the designs of porcelain artists of China and incorporated it into their own aesthetic, such as asymmetrical compositions. Islamic ceramic artists also use writing as a form of design and embellishment to their ceramic work. The addition of color, such as, cobalt blue, was another element that Islamic Artists built upon.
Refer to the original article and view selected pieces of work. Respond to the two questions in the "comments" section:
[PDF]of Islamic Pottery - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Question 1: The use of asymmetrical composition found on Islamic ceramics came from China. Using a specific piece or pieces of work from the article, what do you think of this form of composition?
Question 2: The use of writing is unique to Islamic pottery. Do you think you will incorporate writing into any of your work? Why or why not?
