Description:

Near East, Iran/Uzbekistan, Samanid Dynasty, Nishapur or Samarqand, ca. 10th century CE. One of my favorite pieces, this is a gorgeous terracotta bowl glazed with a black-on-white Arabic calligraphic motif on its interior. Above the calligraphy is a border of undulating, repeated patterns. White glaze continues on the underside of the bowl, ending above the foot. Samanid potters invented slip-painted ware, achieving a beautiful clarity of design - see, for example, the perfect edges on the letters here. They used a white englobe (a thin slip wash) to cover red earthenware and then painted the inscription in a brownish pigment mixed with slip. Adding slip to the pigment prevented it from running. The style of the calligraphy, with its stylized long shafts and angular letters, demonstrates a close relationship between the potter and the calligrapher. Size: 14.4" W x 3.5" H (36.6 cm x 8.9 cm)

The inscriptions on bowls like this one are Arabic proverbs - in fact, some of the first extant examples that appear in the Islamic world. Each inscription is read by turning the bowl counterclockwise. Some of these inscriptions are a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, and others are referencing social codes from the Samanids, who deeply valued hospitality and generosity.

See comparable examples from Christies: a group of three that sold for $4500: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/three-samanid-calligraphic-pottery-bowls-nishapur-eastern-5422325-details.aspx?from=salesummery&intObjectID=5422325&sid=080fdd4c-5c5f-4c13-9b3e-3ab38efbe82a; and a group of two that sold for $8600: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/two-samanid-calligraphic-bowls-samarqand-central-asia-5422327-details.aspx?from=salesummery&intObjectID=5422327&sid=080fdd4c-5c5f-4c13-9b3e-3ab38efbe82a

Provenance: ex-private Orange County, CA, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#121827

  • Condition: Piece is intact and surface glaze has extensive craquelure. Small losses to glaze as shown.

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April 12, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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