Plate Depicting a Flowering Bush in Two-Toned Luster
A highly stylized, flowering bush fills the center of this plate, its blooming flowers scattered over the surface of the plate in a pattern recalling mosaics or millefiori glass. The word mulk ("sovereignty") repeats in kufic around the flat rim, possibly as an abbreviation of the common calligraphic saying al-mulk lillah ("sovereignty belongs to God").
Artwork Details
- Title: Plate Depicting a Flowering Bush in Two-Toned Luster
- Date: 9th century
- Geography: Attributed to Iraq, probably Basra
- Medium: Earthenware; luster-painted on opaque white glaze
- Dimensions: H. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)
Diam. of rim: 16 in. (40.6 cm) - Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1976
- Object Number: 1976.309
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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9th century
second half 10th century
second–third quarter 10th century
9th century
9th century
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