Large bowl with Kufic and Palmette motifs, 10th century
Unknown artist, Iran or Uzbekistanexpand_more
The Margaret McMillan Webber Fundexpand_more 2003.98.2
On View in Gallery 243expand_more
Notable for its size, this steep bowl features inner walls with leaf-shaped palmettes united by a narrow, highly abstract mock-Kufic inscription. Two bands of Kufic script in gold appear opposite each other on the rim. Small brown and reddish-brown roundels are positioned between the palmettes and the gold inscriptions animating the overall design.
The texts in this group of bowls are usually brief Kufic inscription espousing Islamic virtues such as charity, modesty, and personal perfection. The writings can also wish blessings on the owner. Polychrome ware featuring opposed palmettes, opposed Arabic inscriptions, and slip-incised patterns like those here, were very popular across central Asia during the 10th and 11th centuries.
Details
- Title
- Large bowl with Kufic and Palmette motifs
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2003.98.2
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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