When was this made?
By Gracyn Benck '23
The So-Called Crusader Bowl was made during the eleventh century. The eleventh to thirteenth centuries were known as the Classical Age. During the Classical Age, central Islamic lands were reunited under one rule. Early in the period, Fatimid rule was at its peak but would soon be replaced by the Ayyubids, who would then control Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and Yemen. Several other dynasties were ruling in Spain, North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, and Muslim regions of central Asia and India (Atil et al, 1985). The Crusades during this age only complicated the already complex political history. Seven crusades arrived in Islamic lands between 1096 and 1270. Art flourished in these lands despite political unrest resulting from the rise and fall of dynasties. From the Crusades resulted unprecedented prosperity that affected both artists and patrons. Imperial patronage increased as establishment of new states meant new want for expensive possessions. The competition for power also caused an equally high demand for pricey objects to display their power and wealth (Atil et al, 1985).
The artists of the Classical Age therefore created refined objects for their demanding patrons. This period was defined by the rising prosperity of the middle class (Atil et al, 1985). Metalwork, specifically, reached its epitome of technical perfection during the Classical Age. Many works were decorated with inscriptions or ornaments, which then became one of the most prominent characteristics of Islamic metalwork. Usually, inscriptions have repeated well wishes, but taking a closer look at inscriptions provides important information as to where an object was made and why (Atil et al, 1985). Artists produced a wide variety of objects and utilized many techniques and materials to decorate and embellish each piece.