Bowl
The decoration of this earthenware bowl, rendered in black slip on a bright white ground, suggests a lively sense of playfulness on the part of its designer. The motif at its bottom is surely meant to be a bird, but two vine-like motifs are attached seamlessly to the head. Similarly, the tall vertical elements of the inscription that runs just under the bowl’s lip are made to sprout leaves. The text of the inscription echoes the light tone of the decoration itself: it repeats the Arabic word "baraka," which translates to "blessing."
This bowl, excavated from Nishapur in eastern Iran, is indicative of the slip-painted wares produced in the region during the tenth century in its playful fusion of motifs, its use of calligraphy as a primary decorative feature and its reserved color palette of black on white. Such qualities continue to attract viewers to this ceramic type today.
This bowl, excavated from Nishapur in eastern Iran, is indicative of the slip-painted wares produced in the region during the tenth century in its playful fusion of motifs, its use of calligraphy as a primary decorative feature and its reserved color palette of black on white. Such qualities continue to attract viewers to this ceramic type today.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bowl
- Date: late 9th–early 10th century
- Geography: Probably from Iran, Nishapur
- Medium: Earthenware; white slip with black slip decoration under transparent glaze
- Dimensions: H. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm)
Diam. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm) - Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1936
- Object Number: 36.20.62
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
10th century
9th–10th century
9th–10th century
late 9th–early 10th century
10th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.