Bowl with Central Fish Motif

13th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453

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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