Ornamentation in Medieval Ceramics

Every object in an exhibit tell its own story. By simply looking at the workmanship, design, one could infer the use the object, why it was made, and who it was made for. With context, and an understanding of the social climate and historical events that surrounded the creation of that object, one gain an even more nuanced view of what role that that object has played in history. When put along side other similar objects, by different creators, hailing from different geographies, and formed with differing perspectives about the world, one gain an even deeper understanding about how these artifact facilitated change, told inspiring stories, and brought new perspectives to the far reaches of the world. Today, we think of instantaneous communication and being able to connect with almost anyone in the world gives us the ability to spread ideas and innovate. Similarly, goods traded along the Silk Road, like the dishes and bowls in my collection, facilitated networks of art and culture from China to the Mediterranean. By comparing three forms of ornamentation observed on Medieval Asian ceramics, we are able to see how some of these connections were made.