The Chertsey Tiles: Lustreware Bowl (WAM 1913.17) by Mary Powell ’24
12023-01-17T10:10:50-08:00Brooke Hendershottb0a907cd0f989ee79e94592378a1545647719cfb394471For more information about the Chertsey tiles and associated medieval objects, visit https://chertseytiles.holycross.edu.plain2023-01-17T10:10:50-08:00YouTube2023-01-12T16:44:29ZtZQNFb0MgqcThe Chertsey TilesBrooke Hendershottb0a907cd0f989ee79e94592378a1545647719cfb
Bowls like this one were traded during the crusades and served as tableware or decoration in western European households. Some were even placed on the exterior of churches in Italy and elsewhere. This bowl exhibits design elements typical of Islamic ceramics found in the ancient city of Rayy (modern day Iran). Birds and animals, now difficult to make out, appear against deep blues. The bowl is enhanced by metallic luster.