Coffee Pot

The pattern on this tray continues a design scheme found in earlier Syrian dishes and trays, however here the circles formed by the raised turquoise, coral, and glass elements are obviously practical, since they are meant to accommodate a silver coffeepot in the center and six matching cupholders. Notwithstanding its use, this tray is an excellent example of the Islamic craftsman's obligation—almost a compulsion—to create pattern (composed of circles, five-pointed stars, and lavish vegetal decoration in this case), even when the surface is ultimately hidden. It is this kind of ingenuity—immediately apparent when a cup is lifted, revealing an abundant and varied world of ornamentation underneath—that is one of the most fascinating and unique characteristics of Islamic art.