Bowl with Green Splashes
In response to the popularity of imported Chinese ceramics, Abbasid artists learned to replicate the colors and shapes of these prestigious goods for a growing clientele. This bowl shows the results of these efforts, particularly in its color scheme. Green was a popular color used in the decoration of glazed bowls that imitated Chinese white stoneware. The green streaks are carefully controlled to run radially toward the center of this bowl, creating a harmonious design. Some early Abbasid ceramics include short, generic inscriptions of well-wishes. The blue inscription at the center is written in a kufic script, wishing "Blessing, good fortune" to the bowl’s owner.
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