Inkwell with Crosses
This inkwell preserves a small ball inside that was probably used to stir the ink it once held. The color scheme of this object is typical of the buff ware group, but the main decorative motif—a cross-like symbol—is not. The cross may indicate that the object belonged to one of Nishapur's Christians, or it may simply have been a decorative device improvised by the potter.
Artwork Details
- Title: Inkwell with Crosses
- Date: 10th century
- Geography: From Iran, Nishapur
- Medium: Earthenware; polychrome decoration under transparent glaze (buff ware)
- Dimensions: H. 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm)
W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm) - Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1938
- Object Number: 38.40.296
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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9th–10th century
10th century
9th–10th century
late 9th–early 10th century
10th century
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