Bowl

Location

EASTERN IRAN, probably NISHAPUR

Era

Samanid period (819-999)

Title

Bowl

Date

10th c. C.E.

Materials

Earthenware, white slip, black slip decoration, transparent glaze

Dimensions

6.7 cm (h.), 21.3 cm (diam.)

Credits

Purchase, gift of F. Cleveland Morgan, inv. 1950.51.Dp.20

Collection

Archeology and World Cultures

Arabic calligraphy was used for both didactic and decorative purposes. Sometimes, it combines both functions, using a decorative element to transcribe good wishes and passages from the Qur’an. At times, it is the only ornament on a piece, but it can also be combined with different motifs, such as a human or animal head.

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