Triangular Stand

Location: Syria

Materials: stonepaste ware with relief-moulded, carved and pierced decoration under a transparent turquoise glaze

Dimensions: 20cm (height) x 28.2 x 29 x 28.2cm

Accession Number: POT 109

Other Notes:

A number of pottery stands were produced in Syria during the Ayyubid period. Presumably based on wooden models, as suggested by the shape of their feet, they occur in triangular (as in this example) and, more often, rectangular forms, respectively with three or two openings in their upper surfaces. Their exact function is yet to be determined, but the opening could easily have been intended to hold ink-pots, small goblets, perfume containers, small jars or even oil lamps.

Bibliography:

E.J. Grube et al, Cobalt and Lustre. The First Centuries of Islamic Pottery, The Nasser D Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, volume IX, London 1994, cat.328, p.286.
J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.144, p.123.