Near East, Persia (Iran), Nishapur area, ca. late 10th century to early 13th century CE. A uniquely-shaped form, a group of three deep terracotta jars molded together with three shallow bowls between them. Each deep jar has a disc-like foot, and sits on a flat base; each also has a slightly rolled rim. Four pointed projections and a long, cylindrical handle complete the piece. A pretty blue-green glaze covers all but the feet. In places, the glaze has gained a silvery iridescence, especially on the handle. This item was probably used to hold condiments at the table like salt and spices. Size: 8.7" L x 5.75" W x 2.45" H (22.1 cm x 14.6 cm x 6.2 cm)

Nishapur was a center of politics and culture in medieval Persia, and their pottery is some of the most unique and beautiful in history. These turquoise items are the result of technological innovation at the end of the 10th century. They used an alkaline glaze with a copper base to give it its color and would pour it over the clay. These pieces may have been inspired by the blue and white glazed pottery that travelled the Silk Road from Tang Dynasty China, but the end result here transformed to an entirely different, radical style developed in Nishapur.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, collected in the 1970s

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#139009

Intact, with a few tiny chips and nicks commensurate with age. Glaze has attained a pretty iridescence.