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Bowl depicting a Man holding a Cup and a Flowering Branch

10th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 451
Luster ceramics from Samarra often include stylized human figures. In this example, the lively caricatural quality of the seated man holding a cup and a flowering branch is enhanced by the two birds that hold fish in their beaks but look like they are kissing. The foot bears an Arabic inscription that reads baraka (blessing) in kufic script.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bowl depicting a Man holding a Cup and a Flowering Branch
  • Date: 10th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iraq
  • Medium: Earthenware; luster-painted on opaque white glaze
  • Dimensions: H. 2 7/16 in. (6.2 cm)
    Diam. 9 5/16 in. (23.7 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Gift of Edwin Binney 3rd and Purchase, Richard S. Perkins Gift, 1977
  • Object Number: 1977.126
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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