Lüsterkeramik

For more than a thousand years, the shimmering shine of luster ceramics has exerted a great fascination on its viewers. Ever since Iraqi ceramic artists developed the process in the ninth century, luster ceramics have been an export hit: from Central Asia to Iran, Egypt and Spain, they were sought-after luxury goods. It takes great skill to achieve the iridescent effects on the ceramic surface. Tiles and vessels designed in this way continue to provide great visual and aesthetic pleasure to this day. The articles presented here illuminate the history of this special ceramic technique up to the present day. The starting point is the restoration of a unique Iranian luster vase of the thirteenth century, which the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation has given to the Museum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin on permanent loan.