Fostat

Refers to a pottery style that flourished in Fostat (Old Cairo) during the Fatimid period. Fragments from the earlier Tulunid period prove that the technique of luster painting was introduced at this time in close association with Samarra ware to Fostat workshops. Nuances in the luster are seen in the wares made during the Fatimid period, although each piece only has one luster. The decorative motifs become more rich and varied as well and, as they are drawn from many different cultures, demonstrate that Fatimid Egypt was open to influences from all over the Mediterranean and beyond. Animals in scrolls, fish, birds, and good luck inscriptions in decorative Kufic are popular; fantastic animals and human figures are also favored just as are more schematic motifs such as heart palmettes. Some of the animals depicted have been interpreted as lunar, solar or astrological symbols. No tiles, only vessels, were made in Egypt. Fostat lusterware seems to have stopped being made in the Mamluk period when potters favored relief decoration.