Bowl c. 13th century

This bowl was made anonymously, using the age-old methods of ceramic production. We don’t know its exact date, but its artistry speaks volumes. The material is earthenware, humble stuff really. The bowl would have been shaped on a turning wheel, the clay molded by hand. It’s then coated in a slip, a thin layer of liquid clay to give it a smooth surface for decoration. The design is incised, scratched into the surface with a sharp tool. Finally, a glaze would have been applied and the piece fired in a kiln, transforming the clay into a hard, durable form. Notice the two figures in the center, surrounded by decorative motifs and inscriptions. This intricate detail, all achieved by hand, speaks to a high degree of skill and labor. It bridges the gap between utilitarian object and art piece, challenging any simple distinction between craft and fine art.