Ritual, Food, and Production in the Middle Ages

Containers both today and in the ancient world performed a number of functions. They stored food and drinks. They allowed for transportation of resources across long and short distances. They also formed an integral part of rituals.

Luster bowl sherd with peacock

The "Luster bowl sherd with peacock" is an 11th-century ceramic lusterware originating from the Fatimid period (Egypt). The lusterware, which features a golden peacock on a lustre glazed ceramic, was created by an unknown artist using ceramic…

Small dish with lanceolate leaves

The reddish earthenware of this dish is covered on the interior and partially on the exterior with a white slip. The interior holds a loosely incised design of two circles, each with double outlines, and a trio of radiating lanceolate leaves. Freely…

Bowl with St. George and the Dragon

Brass bowl depicting Saint George and the Dragon. Gift of Mrs. George S. Selfridge to Busch-Reisinger Museum, 1965