Plate with Calligraphic Decoration

10th century
Not on view
The elegant kufic calligraphy on this plate demonstrates how calligraphy alone can be used to achieve a strong visual effect. The contrast between black letters and opaque white ground intensifies the impact of the simply yet elegant decoration. The Arabic inscription, the beginning and end of which are indicated by a bell-shaped design, is a phrase that was used on other pottery from Nishapur: "Knowledge is an ornament to youth and intelligence is a crown of gold in paradise. Blessing." Pottery with such phrases serves as a compendium of Arabic proverbs from this period.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Plate with Calligraphic Decoration
  • Date: 10th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Earthenware; white slip with black slip decoration under transparent glaze
  • Dimensions: H. 1 1/2 in (3/8 cm)
    Diam. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
    Wt. 25.1 oz (711.7 g)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1967
  • Object Number: 67.178.2
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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