Bowl with Central Fish Motif
Here, the radial blue stripes are bounded by two calligraphic bands painted on the stonepaste body in black pigment. The letters, etched through the pigment to reveal the white body‑fabric below, form an illegible pseudo‑inscription that may have had associations with magic. The motif of swimming fish, frequently depicted on Chinese wares, gained popularity in Kashan ceramics. The juxtaposition of fish with magical letters reinforces the idea that the bowl had talismanic properties.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bowl with Central Fish Motif
- Date: 13th century
- Geography: Attributed to Iran, Kashan
- Medium: Stonepaste; incised and polychrome painted under transparent glaze
- Dimensions: H. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
Diam. 13 3/8 in. (34 cm) - Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: H.O. Havemeyer Collection, Gift of Horace Havemeyer, 1945
- Object Number: 45.153.1
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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6692. Bowl with Central Fish Motif, Part 1
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