Early stonepaste ceramic technology in Fustat, Egypt

•The stonepaste technology in Fustat underwent a progressive development during the early eleventh century.•The early development of stonepaste in Fustat took place by the addition of mainly quartz, with rare or few frit, to clay-based bodies.•The so-called ‘proto-stonepaste’ that was previously considered the beginning of stonepaste technology in Fustat represents an intermediate transitional stage.•The development of stonepaste bodies corresponds with the development of glazing technology in Fustat from tin-opacified to transparent lead-alkali glazes. The origins and early development of stonepaste pottery has been a subject of controversy. This paper examines eleven pottery fragments from Fustat, Egypt that were previously studied and discussed based on art historical grounds. Using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy examination of bodies and glazes, different stages of the development of stonepaste technology in Fustat are demonstrated. The relationship of this technology in Fustat with other Islamic regions is discussed based on available data.