Ibrahim Said (b.1976) was born and raised in the district of Fustat, the most important centre for pottery production in Islamic Egypt. In these works (ME.5-2013 and ME.6-2013) Said takes inspiration from the huge number of unglazed ceramic water filters that were found during excavations of Fustat in the 19th century. Dating from 1000 to 1200 AD, these filters sat inside the necks of water jugs to prevent flies and dirt from falling into the water, and often featured geometric or figurative designs. Said celebrates this historic art form by incorporating their patterns into his innovative ceramic forms. He also uses glazes which reference the glaze colours traditionally used on medieval ceramics made in Fustat.