Near East, Iran, Nishapur, ca. 10th century CE. A stunning pottery bowl boasting a vibrant glaze of turquoise that envelops the interior and drips in glossy beads down the red clay exterior walls. The elegant vessel displays a conical form with an applied, discoid foot, flared walls, and a wide, annular rim. A gorgeous decorative motif of swirling striations and abstract forms is incised along the interior walls of the bowl, while a lovely floral design embellishes its basin. Note the beautiful craquelure of the glaze that has formed over the centuries! Size: 6.125" in diameter x 3.25" H (15.6 cm x 8.3 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. The body of this bowl and others of its style is made of finely ground quartz mixed with clay; this created a white surface on which the artists could paint designs directly. The glaze is alkaline, with a copper base to give it its color, and would be poured over the clay. Manganese was used to create the underglaze design. 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 is clearly not just an imitation, but an entirely different, radical style developed in Nishapur.

This bowl is 1 of 3 that was sold as Lot 238 by Christie's London during their "Islamic and Indian Works of Art" auction (Live Auction 9481) on October 17th, 2002.

Provenance: ex-private Toluca Lake, California, USA collection; ex-Gluck collection, Malter Gallery Auction 80, 2002, USA; ex-Christie's, Sale 9481, lot 238, one of 3 pieces

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#164396

Collection label on side. Chip to rim. Expected abrasions, nicks, abrasions, and some chips throughout, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with gorgeous craquelure and lovely earthen deposits.