This object in the shape of a woman cradling a baby belongs to a large assemblage of ceramic figurines, whose original purpose is enigmatic. Its lower part was left devoid of the turquoise glaze probably to avoid sticking with other objects stacked in the kiln. One can see there the black pigment painted directly on the body. Despite it unrefined appearance, the painted decoration quite precisely defines the details of the figures, such as the woman’s headdress, braids, and cross-hatched breasts. The marks painted on her cheeks follow a Central Asian iconography and are probably related to apotropaic rituals. They might represent tattoos or scars really practiced by women, as charms or applied as a form of facial adornment.
[ Kirkor Minassian, New York, by 1940]; J. Lionberger Davis, Princeton, NJ (until 1965; gifted to MMA)
The Iranian Institute. "Exhibition of Persian Art," 1940, Gal. XII, no 28G.
Ackerman, Phyllis. "The Iranian Institute, New York." In Guide to the Exhibition of Persian Art. 2nd. ed. New York: The Iranian Institute, 1940. no. Gallery XII, case 28G, p. 369.
Artist: Date: 14th century Accession Number: 28.89.4 Date: 14th centuryMedium: Stonepaste: inglaze painted in blue and turquoise and luster-painted on an opaque white glazeAccession: 28.89.4On view in:Gallery 455