Antique Islamic Bowl, Nishapur Ceramic Iran

An antique ceramic bowl that was made in Nishapur during the 10th century A.D. (4th Century A.H.) in the style of the Tang dynasty. It is decorated with splashes of green, yellow, and brown glaze in the Chinese Tang-dynasty sancai style. The bowl is made of red earthenware, with a white slip, incised engobe, and decoration in the sgraffito technique.

CONDITION: repaired clean breaks and small areas of restoration.

MEASUREMENTS: Diameter: 21cm (8 ¼ in). Height: 6 cm (2 3/8 in).

REFERENCES:

1) A similar bowl is in the Sheikh Nasir al–Sabah collection published in the book 'Islamic Art & Patronage Treasures from Kuwait' edited by Esin Atil, page 64, Plate 7.

2) "Ceramics from Islamic Lands. (In association with The al-Sabah Collection Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, Kuwait National Museum)" by Oliver Watson.

3) "ORIENTAL CERAMICS: THE WORLD'S GREAT COLLECTIONS: Vol. 4, Iran Bastan Museum, Teheran".

4) "A Selection from Dr. Abdul Latif Jassim Kanoo's Collection of Islamic Art."

5)" Islamic Art in the Kuwait National Museum: The Al-Sabahv Collection" by Marilyn Jenkins.

6) "A Survey of Persian Art from Prehistoric Times to the Present" by Arthur Upham Pope.

7)" Islamic Ceramics" by James W. Allan.

8) "Art of The Estern World" by Géza Fehérvári.

NOTE: This bowl is an example of splashware made throughout Iraq, Iran, and western Central Asia. It is a type inspired by Tang Chinese sansai glaze wares, which were mainly decorated with a combination of green, yellow, and brown glazes.

The addition of geometric and floral patterns scratched into the surface of the bowl before the glazes were applied is uniquely Iranian. The vigorous yet refined drawing of the foliate forms makes this one of the finest splashed sgraffito pieces.