Cup with Lobed Rim and Human Faces

21 Cup with lobed rim and human faces Iran, Seljuk-Atabeg period, 12th century[1] Fritware with molded relief decoration under blue (cobalt) transparent alkali glaze 10.8 × 14.2 cm (4 1/4 × 5 9/16 in.) 2002.50.95 Published: McWilliams 2004, 5, fig. 6. The development of fritware in the twelfth century opened new paths in ceramics production. By adding large quantities of quartz to the clay, potters could make white-bodied vessels with thinner walls, more delicate shapes, and greater durability. Some of these fine objects were coated with blue, turquoise, purple, or colorless glazes. This cup is decorated with repeated human heads molded in relief.[2] The lobed rim follows the contours of the projecting heads, which feature large, almond-eyed faces. The deep blue glaze covers the interior and exterior body of the cup and has flowed onto the base. On one side, it has deteriorated, becoming iridescent. Ayşin Yoltar-Yıldırım [1] The results of thermoluminescence analysis of this cup carried out by Oxford Authentication Ltd. in 2011 were inconclusive. [2] For lobed bowls with similar molded decoration, see Fehérvári 2000, 101 (Tareq Rajab Museum, Kuwait, CER 1750TSR) and Grube 1994, 176–77, cat. 173 (Khalili Collection, London, POT885).