Near East, Persia (Iran and Turkey), Nishapur, Medieval Period, ca. 1200 CE. A stunning example of a blue glazed pottery bowl that is decorated with lions! The vessel rests on a ring foot the walls flaring outward to the annular rim. The turquoise blue glaze is applied to the exterior stopping at the midsection, leaving the beige pottery exposed on the base and foot. The interior basin is low relief molded with two lions encircling the central tondo; nose to tail tip. The upper rim is dotted with black manganese pigments. The glazing has developed a silvery iridescence and fine craquelure over the ages. Size: 4.75" Diameter x 2.25" H (12.1 cm x 5.7 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 creates the black motifs along the rim. 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 piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, in the USA since 1997

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#167303

Iridescence forming on glazing. Minor flaking of the iridescence when handled. Single TL hole on ring base interior. Mineral and earthen deposits on the surface. Nice craquelure to glazing. Intact and choice!