Bowl Depicting King Zahhak with Snakes Protruding from His Shoulders

12th–13th century, with alterations first half 20th century; or 20th century

Not on view

The bowl portrays the legendary king Zahhak with two snakes protruding from his shoulders. Although the object was believed to be medieval, recent thermoluminescence analysis proved that it was fired shortly before its exhibition at Philadelphia’s Sesquicentennial International Exposition in 1926. Plain medieval pieces were sometimes recut with new designs with more market appeal, reglazed, and refired.

Artwork Details

Title: Bowl Depicting King Zahhak with Snakes Protruding from His Shoulders
Date: 12th–13th century, with alterations first half 20th century; or 20th century
Geography: Attributed to Northwestern Iran, Garrus District
Medium: Earthenware; slipped and carved under a transparent colorless, brown, and green glaze
Dimensions: H. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)
Diam. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Gift of Fahim Joseph Kouchakji, 1964
Object Number: 64.274.3
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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