Who made this?
By Gracyn Benck '23
In the tenth century, Fatimid objects were simple, but overtime they developed certain aesthetics and distinctive design after their conquest of Egypt. The pre-Islamic cultural influence as well as the local Egyptian culture were reflected in many pieces of Fatimid metalwork. The Fatimids created a unique design and aesthetic seen in their metalworking (Bilotto, 2012). The So-Called Crusader’s Bowl is similar in size and shape to other Fatimid objects and was most likely made by the Fatimids. Its similarities to other Fatimid objects show the common Fatimid design of bowls used for both secular purposes and Christian patrons in Egypt (Bilotto, 2012). Further, the pseudo-Kufic and Greek Crosses also point to Fatimid design being made for Christian patrons as the bowl had both clear influences from Islamic culture as well as Christian symbolism.