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Bowl with Inscription, "Sovereignty is God's"

late 9th–early 10th century
Not on view
One of the most common phrases found on Nishapur objects is al-mulk li-allah, or "Sovereignty is God's." Here, the letters are given a stately, elongated form and, unusually, are oriented toward the interior of the bowl.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bowl with Inscription, "Sovereignty is God's"
  • Date: late 9th–early 10th century
  • Geography: Excavated in Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Earthenware; white slip with black slip decoration under transparent glaze
  • Dimensions: H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
    Diam. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1938
  • Object Number: 38.40.118
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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