How did lustre glazing make Islamic pottery look metallic and shiny?

Islamic potters developed the technique of lustre painting, which was likely invented to simulate the appearance of vessels made from precious metals, such as gold or silver, that were restricted by religious sumptuary laws.1

To achieve this metallic and shiny effect, potters used pigments composed of metallic salts—typically a combination of silver and copper, though occasionally including gold. These metallic pigments were applied to the surface of the pottery. When fired, the process created a thin, metallic-looking layer that could appear as dull yellow, golden brown, or olive, sometimes with red or green tinges.1

This innovation allowed artisans to create highly decorative wares that mimicked the prestige of metalwork while adhering to the cultural and religious traditions of the time. The technique was perfected by Islamic potters between the 9th and 13th centuries and later spread to other regions, including Moorish Spain.12