Albarello

36 Albarello Iran, Seljuk-Atabeg period, c. 1200 [1] Fritware painted with luster (copper and silver) over blue (cobalt) transparent alkali glaze 20.2 × 12.4 cm (7 15/16 × 4 7/8 in.) 2002.50.60 This albarello, or medicine jar, is glazed n deep cobalt blue and decorated in yellow luster with little sheen. A band of vertical lines and stripes—perhaps meant to evoke the upright letters of Kufic inscriptions—encircles the upper half of the body, and floral tendrils occupy the lower half; in certain areas this luster decoration can no longer be seen. Repeating circular forms embellish the shoulder of the jar; the neck features vertical stripes. The blue glaze ends thickly above the foot. Other Iranian luster albarellos of similar size and form are known.[2] Ayşin Yoltar-Yıldırım [1] The jar was last fired between 500 and 900 years ago, according to the results of thermoluminescence analysis carried out by Oxford Authentication Ltd. in 2003. [2] Watson 1985, fig. A; Watson 2004, 361.