Lajvardina ceramics
Date:
1256–1353
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Iran
Medium:
Stonepaste,
Gold
Dimensions:
Ewer 30.2 × 16.1 cm,
Bowl 10 × 21.8 cm
Description:
The production of mina'i ware ceased in Islamicate Iran after the Ilkhanid invasions. It was replaced by new ceramic fritwares made with the same overglaze process but a very different color scheme and a new decorative repertoire. These lajvardina wares, from the Persian word for lapis lazuli, have a restricted palette (red, black, and white) and gilding on a deep-blue glaze. Instead of mina'i's courtly and romantic scenes, they feature dense abstract or Chinese-inspired designs. This rooster-headed ewer depicts lotus flowers and mythical birds called simurghs, and the bowl has the same birds.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
9
Repository and Online Resources:
• The ewer is in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, MBAM 1934.Ea.6.
• The bowl is in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, MBAM 1934.Ea.7.
Image Credits:
Linda Safran
