What is fritware?
Fritware is a type of ceramic material similar to the ancient Egyptian faience. "Frit" is a finely ground, glassy substance often made from quartz. Potters add an oxide to the frit which functions as a "flux" and lowers the melting point of the frit. This mixture can then be melted into a more fluid state and formed into tiles or vessels like you see in our gallery.
Fritware is stronger than traditional clay meaning that it can produce a greater variety of forms with thinner and more decorative walls. Fritware is also naturally white which, of course, takes color much more easily than a brown, earthenware body.
Hi, I’m a zoologist who has worked with deer and I think there might be a mistake in a label. Object 42.212.9 is described as “Dish with a Seated Gazelle,” but the animal appears to be a deer, probably a Mesopotamian fallow deer. The identifying marks are antlers (not horns) and spots (rather than a solid color), both characteristics of deer. I’m having a great time at the museum, keep up the amazing work!
Hi! I see exactly what you mean and I will certainly bring this to the attention of our Islamic Art curator!
Awesome, thank you! ;)
Thanks for the info! :)