Antique Medieval 10th Century Samanid Islamic Calligraphic Pottery Bowl

Antique 10th-century AD (819–999 AD) medieval Samanid Dynasty (288 AH – 391 AH) pottery bowl from Samarkand, Central Asia. This conical slip-painted bowl features intricate Islamic calligraphy and rests on a short foot.
The center of the bowl is decorated with dark brown Arabic Kufic calligraphy. There is also a single band of Kufic inscription located just below the rim, presented on a cream background. Most bowls of this kind typically feature Arabic Kufic inscriptions either only around the rim or solely in the center of the interior. This bowl is a rare example, showcasing calligraphy both below the rim and in the center.

DIMENSIONS:
Diameter approx.: 21cm (8.27 inches)
Height approx.: 6.5 cm (2.56 inches)

CONDITION: Repairs have been made with glue and some repainting. Some slip-paint is lifting and flaking, with losses noted particularly on the exterior, which is consistent with the bowl's age of over 1000 years.

Many bowls of this type, including those displayed in renowned museums, are often broken and restored. Some consist of multiple pieces, and missing parts may have been replaced and repainted. However, this bowl is unique in that it retains all of its original parts without any replacements.

NOTE: Due to the prevalence of reproductions of medieval Islamic art objects, particularly those produced in Afghanistan and Southeast Asia that are intentionally aged and damaged to appear authentic, we want to assure our clients that this bowl is a genuine antique from the 10th century AD. It originates from the Samanid dynasty and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by our company, Hundred and One Antiques.