Given their fragility, few unglazed ceramic water vessels produced in Fatimid Egypt survive intact. However, numerous disk-shaped filters, traditionally attached to the rim of the vessel, are extant. Serving the practical purpose of keeping the water clear of insects and debris, some of these filters are elaborately designed, featuring calligraphy or figural motifs. In this example, a fish swims through rolling water, a witty reference to the function of the vessel itself.