Lapis Lazuli Serving Bowl

Lapis has been popular throughout most of recorded human history, dating back to northeastern Afghanistan in 7000 BC, found in many Egyptian archaeological sites around 3000 BC, and seen throughout the Middle Ages. During the Renaissance and into the 1800s, paintings done with the lapis-derived pigment called “ultramarine blue” were considered to be a luxury because of the high cost and scarcity of the material. Paintings using ultramarine include “The Starry Night” by Van Gogh (1889) and “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Vermeer (1665). The pigment was only used by the most accomplished artists and wealthiest patrons.

Today, we have the convenience of cost-effective, synthetic blue pigments including the ones used in the glaze for these copitas. What was once limited to the most famous painters in western art history is now available for use by everyday people in everyday objects.

Decorative Bowl, 11.25” width.