In a climate of tremendous prosperity in Iraq during the 9th and 10th centuries, kilns at Basra used a technique invented by Egyptian and Syrian glassmakers in the 8th century to produce an expensive, deluxe lusterware pottery. The Iraqi potters added metallic oxide decoration, usually a combination of copper and silver, to earthenware vessels that had already been glazed and fired. A second firing resulted in the formation of a thin metal film affixed to the glazed surface, which could then polished and shined. Dr. Richard Ettinghausen was the first scholar to suggest that Basra was an early center for the production of both ceramics and glass. Iran’s Nishapur kilns copied the Basra innovation by creating an imitation luster characterized by cross-hatching and small dots. Kilns at Kashan continued to produce high quality luster-decorated tiles until the mid-14th century. Bowl with Star Design, 10th century Abbasid period (749–1055) Basra, Iraq Earthenware with yellow luster decoration on white glaze Tile Decorated with Leaves, late 13th century Ilkhanid period (1256–1353) Kashan, Iran Fritware with luster glaze Bowl with Design of Dots and Lines, 10th century Abbasid dynasty (749–1055) Nishapur, Iran Earthenware with imitation yellow luster decoration on white glaze BMA 2013.157, 2013.216, and 2013.158