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Islamic Glazed Pottery Bowl with Kufic Calligraphy Nishapur Ware Provenance

Offered by: Tishu

Description
An earthenware pottery bowl in conical shape supported by a short foot ring covered in white slip and decorated with black slip paint of calligraphy in Kufic script. This type of bowl is identified as Nishapur ware circa 10th century (in nowadays Iran). It was made either in Samanid Dynasty (819–999) or the successive Ghaznavid Empire (977–1186) before the Mongol invasion. The white glaze on the vessel's exterior was thinly applied, resulting in areas with streaks of opaque yellowing. The black slip paint was used to decorate the bowl in flowing Kufic script before a transparent top glaze was applied. The writing, consisting of cursive strokes in bell shape, is likely an Arabic Maxim.
Under UV examination, the bowl shows some professionally restoration as described in condition. It comes with a custom-made acrylic stand as shown.
Provenance: From an American collection, thereby descent. Purchased from Yacobs Gallery, London England, July 1998. Two digital copy the original hand-written documents as shown in last two pictures. Yacobs Gallery is a UK dealer specializes in Islamic and Arabic Art.
For reference of the black on white Nishapur ware, see chapter 3 Ware page 90-127 in book "Nishapur Pottery of the Early Islamic Period" by Charlie K. Wilkinson. A similar bowl is illustrated on plate 20.
Similar bowls with Kufic calligraphy can be found in many major art Musuem including the collection of The British Musuem (1958,1218.1): The Brooklyn Musuem (86.227.8); The Metropolitan Musuem of Art (67.178.2).

More Information

Origin:	Iran
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	ceramic
Condition:	Fair. Intact structure with pervasive patina such as small nicks, scrapes and discoloration. UV light reveals professional repair of a hairline on interior wall and scattered glaze in paint, mostly on the white background not affecting black slip paint.
Creation Date:	10th cenutry
Styles / Movements:	Persian, Traditional, Ancient Art
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Geometric, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	813599

Dimensions

W.	10 in;	H.	3.6 in;
W.	25.4 cm;	H.	9.14 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.