Near East, Iran/Uzbekistan, Samanid Dynasty, Nishapur or Samarqand, ca. 10th century CE. A charming terracotta bowl with a flat base glazed with a black-on-white Arabic calligraphic motif on its interior. Above the calligraphy is a register of white-on-black geometric patterns. Yellow-white glaze continues on the underside of the bowl, ending above the foot. 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. Size: 12.6" W x 4.65" H (32 cm x 11.8 cm)

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

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#121825

Intact, with craquelure on glazed surface. Small losses to glaze, especially around the rim.