Bowl
- Place of origin:
Kashan, Iran (probably, made)
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
- Materials and Techniques:
Earthenware painted in white slip and black on a grey slip ground
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
Islamic Middle East, room 42, case 3
- Download image
The pattern on this bowl is based on the Chinese motif of a flying phoenix shown against flowering lotuses. This motif was used in a variety of materials, including textiles and lacquer. The white circle framing the bird resembles the plain mouldings found in metalwork, and a bowl of gold or silver was probably the original inspiration for this piece.
The invasions of Iran by pagan Mongols under Genghis Khan (ruled 1206–1227) brought devastation and disruption, especially in the east. However, they were followed by a period of increasing prosperity. The unification of much of Asia under Mongol rule caused a boom in international trade and the cross-cultural influences seen in this bowl.
Physical description
Earthenware bowl, painted in white slip and black on a grey slip ground, with a depiction of a flying phoenix against flowering lotuses.
Place of Origin
Kashan, Iran (probably, made)
Date
1260-1350 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Earthenware painted in white slip and black on a grey slip ground
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.5 cm, Height: 7.3 cm
Descriptive line
Fritware bowl with a phoenix motif, Iran (probably Kashan), 1260-1350.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Soustiel, Jean. La céramique islamique. Le guide du connaisseur. Fribourg, Office du Livre, 1985. ISBN 2-8264-0002-9. Pl. 240, p. 216
Lane, Arthur. Later Islamic Pottery. London: Faber and Faber, 1957. 133p., ill.. Pages 10-2, colour plate A
Labels and date
BOWL
Earthenware painted in white slip and black on a grey slip ground.
PERSIAN (SULTANABAD REGION); 14th century. [Used until 11/2003]
Bowl with Bird
Iran, probably Kashan
1260-1350
The pattern is based on the Chinese motif of a flying phoenix shown against flowering lotuses. This was used in a variety of materials, including textiles and lacquer. Yet the white circle framing the bird resembles the plain mouldings found in metalwork, and a bowl of gold or silver was probably the original inspiration.
Fritware decorated in slip and colour under the glaze
Museum no. C.723-1909 [Jameel Gallery]
Production Note
Formerly attributed to Sultanabad region.
Materials
Earthenware; Slip
Techniques
Painting
Subjects depicted
Lotus flowers; Phoenix
Categories
Islam; Ceramics
Collection code
MES
