Egyptian/Syrian design from 1350-57 Coffee Mug

Although flat dishes with raised curved rims, such as this example, were uncommon in Mamluk enameled glass, the dense decoration on this plate is typical of the style of enameled glass of fourteenth century Egypt. A geometric grid created through five tangential circles, drawn in a continuous looping line, dominates the composition. Four of the circles include a complex interlacing star-like pattern, and alternate with stylized arabesque-type vegetal patterns. The colourful chromatic contrast of blue, white, and red enamels, as well as gilding emphasizes the graphic quality of this complex design. Such luxurious dishes belonged to the luxurious tableware used by the ruling elite in regions between Egypt and Anatolia.————— Date: ca. 1350–1357 Geography: Attributed to Syria or Egypt Medium: Glass; free blown, enameled and gilded; tooled on the pontil Dimensions